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Convertibles and Supercars of 2012

Some of the hottest carmakers in the world are making a beeline for India, drawn by the increasing demand for supercars in the country. Estimates of the World Bank reveal that there is an increasing number of millionaires in India, though 75 percent of the people in the country earn less than $2 each day. The number of millionaires in the country is expected to double by 2015. Currently about 14 million Indians own a car with about two million cars sold in 2010 alone. The number is expected to grow by more than three million by 2014. Carmakers are scrambling for the attention of the top cream, the elite amongst the balance 25 percent of the population. Luxury car maker Lamborghini is contemplating its second dealership in India during the year while Ferrari plans to add four dealers by Dec 2012.

Nature enthusiasts would go in for an exotic convertible, letting the sun shine into the car while allowing the feel of the wind in their hair. A fact to be noted here is that winter is the best season to pick up a convertible as the reduced demand for convertibles during the season allows one to pick them up at a bargain. The response received for the convertibles in auctions is a sure sign for car makers to forge ahead with their offerings. Yes.. there is a demand and convertibles are here to stay! Take a look at two of the convertibles, the new Mini and the exotic Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster which would hit the Indian car market during 2012 along with some of the supercars including the new Caterham BSP/300 R, the new Ferrari 458 Spider and the next generation Porsche 911.

bullet MINI Convertible (NEW)

The range of cars launched by Mini has garnered good support and received with great enthusiasm by the Indians. The Mini Cooper Convertible currently seems to be all set to storm the market, packed with a host of features apart from being stylish. The car is ideal for the Indian roads, giving a smooth and safe ride even on the rugged Indian terrain. A major attraction for the nature enthusiasts would be the convertible roof top. The Mini Convertible is equipped with power steering, power windows and leather seats with safety features including an ABS, brake assist, central locking system, driver and passenger airbags, traction and cruise control, rain sensor wipers and rear and front fog lamps. Comfort features of the car include a DVD player with radio and Xenon headlamps.

The new Mini Convertible is fired by a smart and dynamic petrol engine giving out a peak power of 122 HP at 6,000 rpm, reaching top speed of 191 kmpl. Peak torque of 160 NM is produced at 4,250 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission system which gives out an impressive mileage of 12.3 to 15.3 kmpl.

bullet Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster (NEW)

Launched to replace the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, The SLS AMG Roadster stands out as the first Mercedes automobile to be designed inhouse by the AMG. The SLR AMG is a super-sports car which delivers superior driving dynamics. The car features gull wing doors and the Mercedes’ traditional retractable soft top which can be operated electro-hydraulically while on move, up to the speed of 30 mph. The car is equipped with rear wheel drive and double wishbone suspension, built on the Formula 1 technology. Buyers are offered a choice between the sports oriented suspension and the new Adaptive AMG Sport Suspension.

The luxury grand tourer is powered by a 6.3 liter V8 engine which can deliver 563 bhp and torque of 479 lb-ft. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission system. The car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds reaching a top speed of 192 mph. The luxury car, launched in India at the Auto Expo in New Delhi in January 2012, carries a price tag starting at $2,00,000.

bullet Caterham BSP/300.R (New)

A track specific car, the SP/300 R was released in 2010 by Caterham Cars, a part of the British Motor Industry, a company engaged in the manufacture of specialty lightweight sports cars. The company was acquired by the Tony Fernandes owned Lotus F1 team in April 2011. The Lotus team has currently associated with the Dabur Group to launch operations in India. Caterham plans to launch a car in the sub USD 40,000 and sub 3.0 litre category and plans to import a car in 2012 to initiate the homologation process.

The new BSP/300 R to be launched in India will be a true drivers’ car, combining durability, ease of use, practicality for racing with low maintenance costs. The car is equipped with a supercharged ford Duratec 2.0 litre engine which develops 305 PS at 7500 rpm and maximum torque of 290 Nm @ 7500 rpm. The car can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds achieving top speed of 290 kmph.

bullet Ferrari 458 Spider (New)

One of the stunning luxury sports cars of the Ferrari Stable, the 458 Spider is all set to leave the Indian automarket spellbound. Armed with classy exteriors and highly functional, yet comfortable interiors, the roadster is sure to woo the buyers. The 458 Spider has various attractions including heated power seats, passenger and driver door mirrors, Bi-xenon lights, daytime running lights and headlight cleaners. Comfort features of the car include dual zone automatic air conditioning, Harman/Kardon Audio system with AM/FM and RDS, trip computer, outside air temperature indicator and element antenna. Other features of the car include headlight control with dusk sensor, spacious cargo space, 12 V power outlet, front cup holders, MP3 player, remote power locks, vehicle speed-proportional power steering, power windows, front reading lights, and others. The racing driver seat and front passenger seat offers a sporty driving experience. Ferrari has not compromised on the safety features of the luxury car, equipping it with a tyre pressure monitor, airbags, parking sensors, EBS, ESP, traction control and ABD.

The Ferrari 458 Spider provides for a rear wheel drive system and is powered by a 4,499 cc V8 Petrol engine producing 570 BHP at 9,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 540 Nm is produced at 6,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed sequential gearbox.

bullet Porsche 911 (Next Gen)

The German carmaker has launched the Porche 911, one of its most successful cars in India, priced at about Rs96.97 lakhs to Rs1.68 crore. The car features two doors and accommodates two passengers. The next generation Porsche 911 is equipped with kinetic energy recovery system which captures the kinetic energy produced during deceleration instead of storing energy in a battery, making it more energy efficient. The car appears more flat and stretched, being about 100 mm longer compared to the car it replaces and about 45 kilos lighter, retaining a good drag coefficient. Being a true sports car, the 911 does not have audio and blue tooth controls, allowing the driver to concentrate on the ride. The interior of the car is equipped with automatic climate control, allows ample space for stowage and is built with high quality material.

In India, the 911 will be available only with one engine option, a 3.6 liter 6-cylinder variant which generates 487 PS at 6,000 rpm and torque of 63.20 kg @ 5,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic/ manual transmission system. The car can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 3.6 seconds reaching top speed of 240 kmph. The 911 is equipped with electro mechanical power steering for precise driving and feedback. The car gives a mileage of 6 kmpl on the city roads 9.5 kmpl on the highways.

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