Ford UK has announced the Focus Zetec S.

Based on the Focus Zetec, the S comes with a full sports styling kit including unique front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions and 17in alloy wheels together with sports suspension featuring stiffened springs and dampers, aluminium-style sports pedals, rear LED tail lamps and Ford Power starter button.

2012 Ford Focus Zetec S is powered by a 1.6 liter EcoBoost with 180PS (132 kW), which grants superb performance – 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 222 km/h (138 mph). Furthermore, the emissions are just 139 g/km.

The Zetec S Interior Pack, which adds Inferno Red partial leather, heated front seats, power rear windows and global closing for a not unreasonable £800.oo.Developed specifically for UK customers, Focus Zetec S will start at £18,745.

Press Release

FORD ADDS SPORTIEST MODEL YET TO ALL-NEW FOCUS LINE-UP

• New Ford Focus Zetec S developed for the UK market
• Sportiest series ahead of 2012 Focus ST with 250PS
• Standard features include full body styling kit, 17in alloy wheels, sports suspension, rear LED tail lamps and sports pedals
• Priced from £18,745 on the road, equivalent to a Focus Titanium
• Choice of four engines including the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost petrol which debuts in the UK and features fuel-saving ECOnetic technologies
• On sale now

Brentwood, Essex, 29 November 2011- Ford introduces the sporty Zetec S to its acclaimed all-new Focus line up. Developed specifically for UK customers, Zetec S combines sporty styling with the debut of the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost petrol engine.

Based on the existing Zetec model, it adds a full sports styling kit including unique front and rear spoilers with lower sill extensions and 17in alloy wheels together with sports suspension featuring stiffened springs and dampers, aluminium-style sports pedals, rear LED tail lamps and Ford Power starter button.

Anthony Ireson, Ford Britain marketing director, said: "Zetec S models have always been popular with UK customers and so we are delighted to welcome our new Focus Zetec S to the range. With sporty exterior body styling and impressive performance and economy, this latest addition is set to be another showroom hit."

The Ford Focus Zetec S is available now in five-door bodystyle with estate to follow in February 2012, and is offered with a choice of four engines including the 1.6-litre 180PS EcoBoost turbo-charged petrol engine which has a top speed of 138mph, reaches 0-62mph in just 7.9sec and emits only 139g/km CO2. Any Focus Zetec S chosen with this engine or the 1.6-litre 115PS TDCi will carry the ECOnetic Technology badge, as they benefit from auto start-stop, Ford ECO mode, gear shift indicator, active grille shutter and smart regenerative charging.

The 1.6-litre 125PS Ti-VCT petrol and the 2.0-litre 163PS TDCi are also available and can be specified with either manual or PowerShift automatic transmission.

At £18,745 on the road the Focus Zetec S is priced just £1,250 above the equivalent Zetec derivative, which represents outstanding value, as if purchased separately, the additional features would add over £1,700. The Zetec S and Titanium are identically priced so customers can choose either sport or luxury at the same price point.

Options include the technology-laden Driver Assistance Pack which has received several awards, cruise control with Active Speed Limiter and a Zetec S interior pack featuring Inferno Red partial leather, heated front seats, power driver seat, power rear windows and global closing for £800.00.

Official: 2012 Honda CR-Z iCF Mugen

Honda UK has announced the 2012 CR-Z iCF Mugen.

The Honda CR-Z iCF will boast a little over 172 horsepower thanks to some wrenching by Mugen Euro. The base 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine packs a centrifugal supercharger along with an intercooler and a remapped ECU.

The end result is a greatly improved power to weight ratio, as evidenced by a new 0-60 mph time of just 6.1 seconds--a full 3.0 seconds faster than the regular model.

The Honda CR-Z iCF Mugen price will start at 24,000 GBP, and the first exemplars will be available for test drives through the eight Honda UK MUGEN dealers starting from Spring 2012.




Press Release

HONDA (UK) LINKS WITH MUGEN EURO TO LAUNCH HOT "CR-Z iCF"

Following a successful programme launch at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2011, Honda (UK) has joined forces with "MUGEN Euro", to launch a 130+mph sports hybrid CR-Z, boasting Civic Type R performance.

With almost 50 per cent more power than the standard car, this 175 PS 'pocket rocket' hybrid marks the strengthening of the engineering partnership between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro following the limited edition Civic Type R MUGEN in 2010.

MUGEN Euro engineers 'breathed over' the 1.5-litre power unit, retaining the 3-button IMA modes, adding a centrifugal forced air induction system, charge-air cooler and induction system and importantly, a MUGEN Euro-mapped ECU. The result is outstanding power to weight, and increased torque helping to deliver 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds - over 3 seconds quicker than the standard car.

Martin Moll, Head of Honda (UK) marketing said, "MUGEN Euro magic has created a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on our sporting credentials and giving us the ability to compete in the "hot hatch" marketplace as we move into 2012."

Production development continues at MUGEN Euro, with cars available for test drive through the eight Honda UK MUGEN dealers in spring 2012. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are expected to be approximately £24,000.

Shirish Kunder With His Kids Czar, Anya and Diva

Shirish Kunder and Farah Khan married on 9 December 2004. Farah gave birth to triplets on 11 February 2008; one son, Czar, and two daughters, Diva and Anya

Latest Pictures of Shirish Kunder and Farah Khan's Kids Czar, Anya and DivaShirish Kunder With His Kids Czar, Anya and Diva. Shirish posted this picture in his twitter account on Children's day with the message "On Children's Day, a pic I wanna share"

Shirish Kunder and Farah Khan's Son Czar Learns to Play the Piano

Shirish Kunder's Son Czar of His Dad Bike?

Will Aamir Khan Launch Jackie Shroff's Son Tiger?

Did Aamir Khan meet Jackie Shroff in Mahabaleshwar hill resort last week to finalise plans to launch Jackie's son Tiger? Jackie Shroff didn't confirm it, but said "Yes, Tiger has met Aamir Khan. To be launched by Aamir would be a big privilege"

Jackie Shroff's Son Tiger

"Aamir and I have known each another for years. We're fond of one another. I was shooting for Ananth Mahadevan's 'Life's Good' in Mahabaleshwar. Aamir has a home there. He dropped in to see me twice. As far as launching Tiger goes, I'd be really happy if it happens," said Jackie.

Even Subhash Ghai has shown a keen interest in the boy. In fact, Ghai's interest goes back to Tiger's childhood when he had made a pledge he would launch his friend and discovery Jackie's son whenever the boy was ready to take the plunge.

But now there is a very interesting twist in Tiger's tale, with Bollywood's resident maverick-producer Aamir showing a keen interest in launching Tiger.

When asked about his son, Jackie said: "Tiger has turned out...decent. Hasn't he? Yes, he has met Aamir Khan. To be launched by Aamir would be a big privilege. Aamir is very fine producer, actor and human being. My boy would be in great hands. However, Subhashji is also very keen. Do you know he had done Ayesha and mine kanyaadan? To unka Tiger pe haq banta hai. Let's see..."

After playing bit roles in Dev Anand's "Swami Dada", Jackie got his big break with Subhash Ghai's "Hero".

Reminiscing about his own launch, the 51-year-old chuckles, "Tiger has it all laid out in front of him. When I had come into the industry, I had no one to guide me. If Subhashji had not given me a break, I wonder what would've happened to me!"

- TOI (Nov 24, 2011)

Farah Khan With Her Kids at Sanjay Dutt's Twins Birthday Bash

Sanjay Dutt celebrated the first birthday of his twins Shahraan and Iqra on 21st Oct 2011 at Blue Sea in Mumbai. Below are the pictures of Farah Khan With Her Children Czar, Anya and Diva at Sanjay Dutt's Party.

Farah Khan With Her Son Czar

Farah Khan With Her Daughter Anya and Son Czar

Farah Khan With Her Daughter

Farah Khan With Her Daughters Diva and Anya

Tokyo Motor Show: Volkswagen Passat Alltrack

Volkswagen has releases the new Passat Alltrack,which will debut at the Tokyo Motor show next week. The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack will come equipped with all-wheel drive as standard in the UK and will sit between the Passat estate and the Tiguan in VW’s line-up.

VW claims the Alltrack has genuine off-road capabilities, something emphasised with both its styling and equipment. The visual changes include a new design for the front and rear bumpers inspired by the Tiguan and Touareg SUVs and flared wheel arches wrapped in black plastic cladding. Despite the changes, the Alltrack’s length and width are identical to the Passat estate’s at 4771mm and 1820mm respectively.

The new Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is going to be offered with two turbocharged direct injection petrol engines (one with 160 PS / 118 kW and the other rated at 210 PS / 155 kW) and two turbodiesels (TDI) capable of delivering 140 PS / 103 kW or 170 PS / 125 kW.

The range kicks off with the 138bhp six-speed manual version, while there will also be a 168bhp model with a six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Just the one, highly specified, trim level will be available, which comes with Alcantara suede, two-zone climate control, cruise control, tyre pressure sensors, an iPod dock, Bluetooth and 18-inch alloys.

Prices will be revealed soon and order books open in April, with deliveries expected by late summer.



Press Release

Passat Alltrack unites passenger car and SUV worlds

Passat Alltrack has higher ground clearance and new off-road design

Wolfsburg, 23 November 2011 - Over the past four decades, well over 15 million Passat cars have been built. Along with its favourable all-round qualities, the success of the bestseller - which is sold on all of the world's continents - can be attributed to the Passat's wide and diverse range of versions. Now, Volkswagen is extending the model series with another specialist: the Passat Alltrack.

This new version is offered in an estate car configuration, and it closes the gap between the conventional Passat Estate and SUVs such as the Tiguan. The rationale here: many car drivers who use their car as a towing vehicle, or in light off-road situations, want a versatile, sporty and very roomy passenger car that has rugged qualities. Volkswagen developed the Passat Alltrack for this clientele. In comparison with the familiar Passat Estate, the new model is defined by new bumpers in SUV style - with wheel well and side sill flares. Its greater off-road ramp angle, approach angle, departure angle and higher ground clearance all make the Passat Alltrack an excellent SUV alternative for driving on unpaved track.

Two turbocharged direct injection petrol engines (TSI) with 118 kW / 160 PS and 155 kW / 210 PS and two turbodiesels (TDI) - also with direct injection - with 103 kW / 140 PS and 125 kW / 170 PS are available in the Passat Alltrack. The two most powerful Alltrack versions, the 170 PS TDI and the 210 PS TSI, have standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a dual clutch transmission (DSG). For the Passat Alltrack with a 140 PS TDI, Volkswagen will offer all-wheel drive as an option. Just how efficiently the engines of the Passat Alltrack operate together with the intelligently controlled 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is illustrated by the two TDI engines: the 140 PS version has a low combined fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100 km (equivalent to 150 g/km CO2), while fuel consumption for the 170 PS version is 5.8 l/100 km (152 g/km CO2). The Alltrack will debut in a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show (03 to 11 December); market launch for the new versatile Alltrack begins in early 2012.

Priya Dutt With Her Children Siddharth and Sumair and Husband Owen at Sanjay Dutt's Twins Birthday

Sanjay Dutt celebrated the first birthday of his children Shahraan and Iqra on 21st Oct 2011 at Blue Sea in Mumbai. His sister Priya Dutt was at the party with her 2 sons Siddharth and Sumair and husband Owen Roncon. Below are the pictures of Priya Dutt's Children. For Sanjay Dutt's Kids Birthday Party Pictures Click Here >>

Priya Dutt With Her Husband Owen Roncon and Children Siddharth and Sumair at Sanjay Dutt's Kids Birthday.

Priya Dutt With Her Kids Siddharth and Sumair at Sanjay Dutt's Kids Birthday.

Priya Dutt With Her Sons Siddharth and Sumair and Husband Owen Roncon

Priya Dutt, Daughter of Sunil Dutt and Nargis and Sister to Sanjay Dutt is married to Owen Roncon. Roncon is a partner in Oranjuice Entertainment, a music promotion company, and Fountainhead Promotions & Events Pvt Ltd, a marketing firm. The couple has two sons, Siddharth and Sumair.
Find here: Pictures of Priya Dutt's Husband Owen Roncon

First Picture of Aishwarya Rai's Baby Daughter During Discharge From Hospital

After spending a week in Seven Hills hospital, in northeast Mumbai where she gave birth to a baby girl, Aishwarya Rai got discharged.

As Aishwarya made her way out, she was accompanied by her father-in-law Amitabh Bachchan, her parents, and of course, her baby daughter. An excited Abhishek was also present (not seen in the picture below).

Aishwarya Rai With Her Baby Daughter After Discharge From Hospital

Amitabh held the baby, wrapped in pink, and looked like quite the proud grandfather.

Abhishek drove the family car to their home, Jalsa, in Juhu.

His sister Shweta Nanda, who had been making quite a few trips to the hospital when Ash was admitted, was probably at home to welcome the baby into the house.

Abhishek is expected to address the media later in the evening.

Find here: Photo of Aishwarya Rai's Baby Daughter, Photograph of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan's Daughter/Baby girl

Aamir Khan With Son Junaid and Wife Kiran Rao at Boman Irani’s Son's Wedding

Boman Irani’s son Danesh tied the knot with Ria Cama yesterday. The reception was a typical Parsi affair including the food spread with the call jamva chaloji (come to eat) which heralds the Parsi feast. Several bollywood celebs were spotted at the wedding reception. Aamir Khan was there with son Junaid Khan and wife Kiran Rao.

Aamir Khan With Son Junaid Khan (L) and wife Kiran Rao at Boman Irani’s son Danesh's Wedding Reception.

Mark Robinson With His 3 Children and Wife Waluscha D'Souza at a Resto-bar

Mark Robinson's 3 children, daughter CHANEL, Son BOOKLYN and another daughter SIENNA were with him at the 11th anniversary celebrations of a resto-bar. Marc Robinson was also accompanied by his wife Waluscha D'Souza. Here’s a look:

Mark Robinson With His children, Son BOOKLYN, Daughters CHANEL and SIENNA

For More Pictures of the Family Click Here >

Picture of Aishwarya Rai With Her Brother's Baby

Aishwarya Rai has a brother by the name Aditya Rai. Aditya Rai is an Engineer and is married to Shrima Rai, who was Mrs India 1st runner up a couple of years ago. Aishwarya Rai's sister-in-law Shrima Rai gave birth to a baby boy last year. Below is an image of Aishwarya Rai With Her Brother's Baby Boy.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan With Her Brother Aditya's Son

2012 MINI Cooper B-Spec race car

MINI USA has releases the 2012 Cooper B-Spec race car. The 2012 Cooper B-Spec race car delivers 121 horsepower with total weight at 2,535 lbs.

Powered by a 121 hp unit and weighing in at 2,535 lbs, the MINIs are fitted with Carbotech brake pads and stainless steel hoses, a KW V1 coilover suspension kit and Vorshlag front camber plates, while the wheels used are 7×15-inch 15 x 7 Kosei K1 items wrapped in Hoosier SM6 205/50 rubber.

MINI isn’t quoting prices for the conversion package or for completed cars just yet, and it doesn’t say exactly when the cars will be available. It has announced a contingency program for all four sanctioning series, so the automaker will actually pay drivers who earn a podium finish.

MINI of Charlestone offers either a complete turn-key car or can upgrade your 2007-2012 MINI Coopers. We have to tell you that next year the SCCA, Grand Am, NASA and World Challenge bodies will all host B-Spec events.




Press Release


MINI COOPER HARDTOP TO ENTER B-SPEC RACE SERIES FOR 2012

MINI USA and MINI of Charleston to build and sell turn-key MINI race cars

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - November 16, 2011 - MINI USA has partnered with MINI of Charleston (South Carolina) to announce that the MINI Cooper Hardtop will begin racing in the B-Spec series for the 2012 race season. B-Spec vehicles are production-based cars that are equalized on power and weight to make the racing as competitive as possible and all four of the major racing sanctioning bodies (SCCA, Grand Am, NASA and World Challenge) will host B-Spec races in 2012.

"B-Spec racing is a great fit for MINI because the car is developed with racing heritage in mind and the races are run with vehicles very similar to those already sitting in the driveway," said Jim McDowell, Vice President - MINI USA. "Getting involved with B-Spec racing offers a fun and competitive race environment without requiring MINI drivers to make a large financial investment to make their car a serious competitor."

MINI of Charleston, a Hendrick Automotive Group company, will build and sell turn-key MINI Hardtop racing vehicles by the start of the 2012 season. It will also offer class-legal conversion kits so the owner of any 2007 - 2012 MINI Cooper Hardtop can easily be ready to race in B-Spec. All safety equipment will meet or exceed requirements set forth by the sanctioning body.

During the LA Auto Show, the first MINI's B-Spec prototype will be on display. This vehicle will be driven by Brad Davis, Executive General Manager of MINI of Charleston and team driver Robbie Davis.

MINI USA's existing contingency program for all four racing series will be extended to sanctioned B-Spec race teams, with financial compensation for an eligible podium finish. For more information about MINI USA's contingency program, please visit http://www.miniusa.com/#/miniRacing

"MINI entering B-Spec racing is full of benefits," said Vinnie Kung, MINI USA Product Manager. "Drivers can enter the racing arena for a fairly low investment in a car developed from the ground up with performance and handling at its core. In addition, MINI USA's contingency program is to compelling, it could even pay off the car itself in about a year."

Final contingency payout information, as well as detailed pricing for the MINI Hardtop adapted by MINI of Charleston and the conversion kits, will be announced as the start of the 2012 season draws closer.

Vehicle Specs: 2012 MINI Cooper Hardtop B-Spec Racer

HP: 121 @ 6,000, factory rated
TQ: 114 @ 4,250, factory rated
Steering: Electric power-assisted rack and pinion, 14.1:1 ratio
Weight: 2,535 pounds, 60.4%/39.6% F/R, factory rated
Length / Wheelbase / Height: 146.6"/ 97.1" / 55.4"
Suspension: KW V1 Coilover Struts and Shocks/ Vorshlag front camber plates
Brakes: Standard MINI Brake system with Carbotech Brake Pads and Way Motorworks Stainless Steel Braided hoses.
Safety Equipment: Kirk Racing Roll Cage with Kirkey Intermediate Road Racing Seat and Schroth Hybrid III Harnesses, Cage Nets and Window Net.
Wheel / Tire: 15 x 7 Kosei K1 aluminum alloy / Hoosier SM6 205-50-15

Performance-enhancing electronics standard on all MINIs:

• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Four-wheel disc Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)
• Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
• Brake Force Distribution (BFD)

Volkswagen eT! Concept

The Volkswagen eT! Concept is making its debut at the Design Centre of Potsdam was specially designed for delivery of mail shipments of all types.

The eT! is an all-electric van, which means it is quiet and doesn’t produce any emissions while driving through dense urban environments. The cabin has a tablet computer mounted to the dashboard, presumably allowing the driver to monitor deliveries while on the road.

As an alternative, the driver can direct the car’s movements via a ‘drive stick’ from the passenger’s side that also offers a standing seat and quick access to the vehicle.

The eT! uses electric hub motors to maximize important interior volume both under the hood and in the load bay.




Press Release


World premiere in Potsdam: Volkswagen eT! - the reinvention of the delivery vehicle
eT! is electrically powered and drives semi-automatically on command

Driver can steer the eT! by ‘drive stick' from passenger's side as alternative

Wolfsburg / Potsdam, 18 November 2011 - For over 60 years now, commercial vehicles from Volkswagen have maintained a visual presence on the world's streets. They are helpers in everyday life, which bring us people goods, services, postal deliveries and occasionally emergency assistance as well. Volkswagen Group Research, which is responsible for the world of tomorrow, together with the German Post Office (‘Deutsche Post AG'), which is one of the largest customers of lightweight commercial vehicles - as well as the University of Art at Braunschweig - formed a think tank on future transport and mobility issues. Finally, these research activities led to a completely new vehicle concept for the delivery and logistics field: eT!

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Leohold, Director of Volkswagen Group Research: "We analyzed process flows and customer needs in detail, and from these analyses we derived ideas on how the segment of delivery and courier vehicles could be further developed over the long term. In this context, we focused on zero-emissions driving and available space in urban areas, semi-automatic driving functions that offer relevant support and simplify work processes and the integration of new communication technologies. On top of that, we also set out to design a very emotionally appealing commercial vehicle. To attain these goals, our teams not only looked towards the future from the past, but also worked from a future perspective to implement an advanced development concept based on technologies available today."

The eT! research vehicle could someday actually revolutionise the world of lightweight commercial vehicles. Completely reconceptualised, driven with zero emissions, thought through to the last detail and driving semi-automatically if necessary! Just how wide-ranging the significance of this research project could be for sustainability in the transportation field is underscored by the support for the eT! project by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. "The eT! research vehicle," explains Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, spokesperson for the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, "unifies a whole gamut of innovative functions, which will gain in future importance, specifically for logistics businesses. In particular, the possibility of driving the car semi-automatically - and electrically - in downtown areas unifies economical and environmental aspects more systematically than ever. As a vision of the future, the eT! is showcasing what is the maximum feasible technology for electric vehicles in the commercial market today with a special design that systematically addresses future customer needs."

"eT! is a pure electrically powered transporter that systematically transfers E-mobility to the area of commercial use," says Dr. Rudolf Krebs, Group Manager for Electric Traction at Volkswagen AG. And continues: "As a transport specialist, the eT! is advancing to become the automotive building block for an innovative, future-oriented logistics concept, which not only drives with zero emissions in urban areas - thanks to its electric wheel hub motors - but also offers maximum freedom in manoeuvering and turning as well as optimal utilisation of the vehicle's interior space. If ‘refuelled' with electricity generated from renewable energy sources, the eT! can indeed be operated with zero emissions. Naturally, the eT! is not a vehicle which - unlike the Golf or up! with an electric motor - could become available very soon. But we must make plans today for what the world of lightweight commercial vehicles might look like starting in the second half of this decade, including with regard to electrical drives."

To make the working world of mail delivery personnel and courier drivers simpler and safer, to optimise the logistics of delivery and to shorten delivery times, eT! can be operated semi-automatically in certain situations. The car can follow the delivery person from house to house ("Follow me"), or the car can return to the delivery person on command ("Come to me") - driverless! As an alternative, the driver can direct the car's movements via a ‘drive stick' from the passenger's side that also offers a standing seat and quick access to the vehicle. On the passenger's side - the side that faces the sidewalk and therefore the working area of the delivery person - there is therefore an electrically opening sliding door that opens to 2 different stages; this enables extremely quick entry into the vehicle as well as quick access to the mail parcels. This makes unnecessary walking movements around the vehicle a thing of the past.

Variants of this lightweight transport vehicle could be implemented for all conceivable business uses. And these derived concepts are also the focus of research activities. Meanwhile, the eT! concept shown in a world premiere at the Design Centre of Potsdam was specially designed for delivery of mail shipments of all types. The research vehicle will now be integrated in a driving test study and further analysed.