THE TIMES OF DREAMLAND
HUMMER barges into India
Mumbai, India
April 19th, 2010
Uber-SUV manufacturer HUMMER has made a foray into the Indian market with their lineup of ultra-large SUVs. The company spokesperson said at the company mega launch event here at the Bandra-Kurla Complex, that the entire portfolio, ranging from their tamed baby H3 model, to the wild, all-conquering H1 Alpha, have been offered.
After recent tensions over the sale of the brand, it's still unpublicised new owners will make sure that they never again have to deal with issues relating to efficiency, environmental impact and, most of all, brand security. They have cemented their words with the launch of new engines as well as major modifications to the existing lineup to ensure compatibility with the most stringent emission norms and NVH restrictions.
The H1 - the one that started it all, is back with a bang, intact with that powerhouse 6.6L V8 engine, now featuring common-rail direct injection and twin turbochargers - one turbo for each cylinder bank. The head of engineering said, "A sequential turbo setup was not required as the engine peaks at very low speeds, and turbo lag is not an issue." Not an issue is right, for the new engine makes 440bhp at just 3000rpm - a huge improvement from the earlier 300bhp. Torque is truly gargantuan, with 1032Nm available all the way from 1250rpm until 2500rpm. Of this, 40% is available from idle - which is still 412Nm! Power is transferred via a 6-speed manual transmission with their renowned range-selectable all-time four-wheel-drive with throttle-brake modulation, which is now even more effective. Also on offer is a newly-developed 8-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) Automatic option mated to the newly-introduced dual clutch system with automatically controlled torque distribution. The equipment list doesn't end there as this engine is also fitted as standard with a Diesel Particulate Filter and eight (8!) catalytic converters that make this engine Euro 5 compliant apart from making it near-zero emission.
Also on offer is a new tri-turbo V8 engined petrol option. This newly developed 5-litre V8 features direct injection, and three turbo chargers - one small turbo per bank for bottom and mid range boost, and one large turbo for higher engine speeds for top-end boost. All these put together mean a power output of 526bhp at 5000rpm and torque output of 710Nm from 2000rpm until 3800rpm. This engine is fully E85 capable and can run regular unleaded as well. Transmission options are the same as the diesel variant, and this is a good thing as the system remains relatively unstressed as the torque output of the petrol unit is a good 31% lower than the mad diesel motor. This engine too, is Euro 5 compliant with a truly unbelievable 198gm/km of CO2.
The H2 is launched in a new avatar. And for the very first time, comes with a diesel engine. This slightly tamed HUMMER now features a 4.0-litre V8 common-rail direct injection with a tri-turbo setup and hence delivers a shove like nothing else. (Apart from the H1 of course..) 280 huge horses come charging at 4000rpm, while 660Nm of turning force begins the tarmac shoveling process at 1800rpm, up until 2500rpm. This one too, is equipped with a DPF and 8 catalytic converters. Needless to say, it is Euro 5 compliant and an almost zero-emission vehicle.
The petrol variant borrows the V8 engine, but without the tri-turbo setup, instead opting for just the large unit. No disappointment as this version has an output of 476bhp at 5000rpm and makes 643Nm between 2700 and 3800rpm. Again, the 6-speed manual option and the 8-speed CVT Automatic with the smart all-wheel-drive system find their place here - on both, the petrol and diesel models. This is the H2 the world was waiting for.
The H3, the baby of the group, is now positioned as the green HUMMER that is part of the life of the active family, the ride of choice for every family member and the one whose keys are always snatched if ever found. And it truly is.. The new H3 is a hugely practical vehicle for every need imaginable. Yes, it still is much bigger than the largest of the large family SUVs out there, but it makes good use of it's size with some finer details that make it worth every penny, and at the same time, justify every mm of it's hugeness. Loaded with all the entertainment features, and three proper full size rows, this is one good bargain. Engine options feature an all new 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 petrol making 285bhp at 5200rpm and 385Nm of torque between 3000 and 4000rpm. There's also a very unique 2.9L tri-turbo common-rail direct injection diesel engine with 250bhp at 4000rpm and a more-than-ample 562Nm of torque from 1600-2800rpm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual, or the 8-speed CVT Automatic. All variants feature the smart all-wheel-drive system.
So there you have it, the entire portfolio of the long-awaited HUMMER brand are now available in India through a 6 dealer network which is ever-increasing. Bookings have already commenced. The cars will come in as CKD kits and will be assembled at the HUMMER facility at Chakan, on the outskirts of Pune. This means that the pricing is very competitive, to say the least, as the competition offers all models which are CBU. The basic model of the H3, with manual transmission is available for Rs. 28.5 lakhs ex-showroom Pune, with the brand flagship, the H1 Alpha model available for Rs. 90 lakhs ex-showroom Pune.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The future is now...
The future isn't coming anymore.. It's here already. Hybrid cars, emission standards, biofuels and the like are growing exponentially. Yet, here, our country lags behind in it's views. Not everyone mind you, just those who have the power to change things.
How hard is it to have a dedicated area of production for jatropha, sugarcane and other vegetable oil. Bio diesel is the one of the best future fuels, or rather, alternative fuels. Forget cars running on water and air, the concept is not new, yes, but it isn't feasible for mass production, yet. That could be a distant memory very soon, or they could be seen within every distance.
In a recent interview with a reputed magazine, the CEO of a reputed Japanese automobile manufacturer stated, "In India, the government does not see any advancements in technology as the main criteria. They only care about the size of the engine (1.5L diesel) even if the technology is 20 years old." From the horses mouth I would say.
It is a well known fact that 1.6L diesels are the rage in Europe - they are super-efficient and extremely clean, not to mention quite powerful. Ford, Hyundai, Volvo and many more manufacturers have fantastic 1.6L diesel engines and quite a few practical small car options, which they cannot bring here because our norms state a small car is "defined" as any automobile under 4000mm in length with an engine capacity of 1.2L petrol and 1.5L diesel. Screw that I say. Might I remind you that those 1.6L diesel in European cars are waaay more efficient and powerful than these piddly 1.2L petrols on offer in India. Put all the variable valve timing and variable intake systems you want, they're still horribly underpowered. Now if they can only strap on a turbo or two. What do the norms say about that? 1.2L petrol - quad turboed to 140bhp - not bad IMHO. Staring at the sun does not mean your seeing the light. Seeing the light actually means looking away from the sun, doofuses all.
PUCs are a joke. You give a guy on a 2002 Bajaj Caliber a 3 month pass cos his emissions are 2.5% over the limit prescribed. As the fool writes the numbers and signs it before he staples it in it's "plastic" protection cover - there have probably been 4 BSII PMT buses having passed by belching soot particles from their poorly processed diesel fuel as it passed through an indirect injection compression ignition internal combustion engine that needed service a decade ago. No, he didn't even look up, as he coughed while he stapled the little yellow paper into a plastic shroud, to notice the relative irony in all of it.
Traffic sense has gone to the dogs, and donkey and cattle. I have seen, with my own eyes, dogs, donkeys, cattle and all sorts of other animals look both ways before they cross the street. People have no traffic sense anymore. I, at times, picture barbed wire fences or Contra/Doom/Quake style spikes shoot up from the ground forming a barricade after the red light has showed face. But no, no one even considers another person. You're not the only person on the face of the earth. How I wish I could run down all those fools goin "trips" on a Splendor, at night, headlights off, the wrong way, on a one way street.. No, cos I'd be in trouble for following the rules as the guy we hit has an uncle who knows the friend of the brother of the cousin of the traffic cop who just stopped me for questioning.
It's come to a state where money doesn't make the world go round anymore. The world is slowing down. And when it does come to a stop, my dear Autocar, no number of Bentley Arnages will be enough to make it spin again.
I'd like to say "the future I feared, is the past I've forgotten", but the present just past reminds me there's more to come...
How hard is it to have a dedicated area of production for jatropha, sugarcane and other vegetable oil. Bio diesel is the one of the best future fuels, or rather, alternative fuels. Forget cars running on water and air, the concept is not new, yes, but it isn't feasible for mass production, yet. That could be a distant memory very soon, or they could be seen within every distance.
In a recent interview with a reputed magazine, the CEO of a reputed Japanese automobile manufacturer stated, "In India, the government does not see any advancements in technology as the main criteria. They only care about the size of the engine (1.5L diesel) even if the technology is 20 years old." From the horses mouth I would say.
It is a well known fact that 1.6L diesels are the rage in Europe - they are super-efficient and extremely clean, not to mention quite powerful. Ford, Hyundai, Volvo and many more manufacturers have fantastic 1.6L diesel engines and quite a few practical small car options, which they cannot bring here because our norms state a small car is "defined" as any automobile under 4000mm in length with an engine capacity of 1.2L petrol and 1.5L diesel. Screw that I say. Might I remind you that those 1.6L diesel in European cars are waaay more efficient and powerful than these piddly 1.2L petrols on offer in India. Put all the variable valve timing and variable intake systems you want, they're still horribly underpowered. Now if they can only strap on a turbo or two. What do the norms say about that? 1.2L petrol - quad turboed to 140bhp - not bad IMHO. Staring at the sun does not mean your seeing the light. Seeing the light actually means looking away from the sun, doofuses all.
PUCs are a joke. You give a guy on a 2002 Bajaj Caliber a 3 month pass cos his emissions are 2.5% over the limit prescribed. As the fool writes the numbers and signs it before he staples it in it's "plastic" protection cover - there have probably been 4 BSII PMT buses having passed by belching soot particles from their poorly processed diesel fuel as it passed through an indirect injection compression ignition internal combustion engine that needed service a decade ago. No, he didn't even look up, as he coughed while he stapled the little yellow paper into a plastic shroud, to notice the relative irony in all of it.
Traffic sense has gone to the dogs, and donkey and cattle. I have seen, with my own eyes, dogs, donkeys, cattle and all sorts of other animals look both ways before they cross the street. People have no traffic sense anymore. I, at times, picture barbed wire fences or Contra/Doom/Quake style spikes shoot up from the ground forming a barricade after the red light has showed face. But no, no one even considers another person. You're not the only person on the face of the earth. How I wish I could run down all those fools goin "trips" on a Splendor, at night, headlights off, the wrong way, on a one way street.. No, cos I'd be in trouble for following the rules as the guy we hit has an uncle who knows the friend of the brother of the cousin of the traffic cop who just stopped me for questioning.
It's come to a state where money doesn't make the world go round anymore. The world is slowing down. And when it does come to a stop, my dear Autocar, no number of Bentley Arnages will be enough to make it spin again.
I'd like to say "the future I feared, is the past I've forgotten", but the present just past reminds me there's more to come...
Friday, March 19, 2010
Untitled
Just words. I decided to start writing this because I haven't done anything on this blog for a while. Hopefully this will turn out into something worthwhile, something more than words. Because words are only one tiny bit of expression. How many time have we felt things that we couldn't find words to express.
Everyday is a learning experience. I always think of something I learnt today, call it a South Park thing like Stan and Kyle do, or just accept the fact that it can be true - not for everyone though. Some people never learn. But those that do, will know exactly what I'm talking about. For those who care enough to be aware of how their time is spent, will surely discover something they never have before. It may be something as minute as knowing that a tiny bolt holds up a major component, which is in turn the single most important part which maintains integrity. It can be realising something substantial, from something that seems inconsequential. It may also be simply huge.
I pay attention to detail. I believe what they say - God is in the details. Sure the big things matter - but only so much. Again, everyone has their own opinon, and they're entitled to express it. Let it also be clear that expression doesn't necessarily lead to acceptance. I pity those who refuse to see the other side of the coin - and pity even more, those who think it is JUST a coin. It so could be a square. Two more sides the little fool is unaware of only because the corner is right in front of him - and all he can see is the two sides - maybe they're not the two sides that he wants to see, but nonetheless, that's the only view he has - well, views. The other two are still there, even though they can't be seen. Seeing what's around the corner means venturing far enough to reach the limit of one side, and then realise there's another corner. The same for the other side.
And when you think of a square, it's only fitting to consider a cube. Drop to your knees, crouch, and you may see the fifth plane. Once you have, jump. Jump as high as you can, and you may see the sixth. That's the brilliance of being open to perspectives - they're always there, you just need to consider them - and not necessarily accept them.
All this has made me realise an important thing for me. You see, I learnt something today. (Maybe more than just one something) I learnt that if you stand still, you're bound to see what you see. But if you make a move, and decide you want to go somewhere, anywhere, something out of the way is bound to happen. It's only natural. I'm happy this turned out to be more than just a bunch of words. If you read it, and it meant something, my effort was worth it. If it didn't mean anything to you, it's still worth it, cos it sure means something to me that it could mean something for someone else.
Random quote from The Mask (episode featuring Chronos): "It's 13 o'clock, do you know where you're kids are?" Makes sense? To me, it does. If it doesn't, try another perspective.. :P
And, I just thought of a title..
Everyday is a learning experience. I always think of something I learnt today, call it a South Park thing like Stan and Kyle do, or just accept the fact that it can be true - not for everyone though. Some people never learn. But those that do, will know exactly what I'm talking about. For those who care enough to be aware of how their time is spent, will surely discover something they never have before. It may be something as minute as knowing that a tiny bolt holds up a major component, which is in turn the single most important part which maintains integrity. It can be realising something substantial, from something that seems inconsequential. It may also be simply huge.
I pay attention to detail. I believe what they say - God is in the details. Sure the big things matter - but only so much. Again, everyone has their own opinon, and they're entitled to express it. Let it also be clear that expression doesn't necessarily lead to acceptance. I pity those who refuse to see the other side of the coin - and pity even more, those who think it is JUST a coin. It so could be a square. Two more sides the little fool is unaware of only because the corner is right in front of him - and all he can see is the two sides - maybe they're not the two sides that he wants to see, but nonetheless, that's the only view he has - well, views. The other two are still there, even though they can't be seen. Seeing what's around the corner means venturing far enough to reach the limit of one side, and then realise there's another corner. The same for the other side.
And when you think of a square, it's only fitting to consider a cube. Drop to your knees, crouch, and you may see the fifth plane. Once you have, jump. Jump as high as you can, and you may see the sixth. That's the brilliance of being open to perspectives - they're always there, you just need to consider them - and not necessarily accept them.
All this has made me realise an important thing for me. You see, I learnt something today. (Maybe more than just one something) I learnt that if you stand still, you're bound to see what you see. But if you make a move, and decide you want to go somewhere, anywhere, something out of the way is bound to happen. It's only natural. I'm happy this turned out to be more than just a bunch of words. If you read it, and it meant something, my effort was worth it. If it didn't mean anything to you, it's still worth it, cos it sure means something to me that it could mean something for someone else.
Random quote from The Mask (episode featuring Chronos): "It's 13 o'clock, do you know where you're kids are?" Makes sense? To me, it does. If it doesn't, try another perspective.. :P
And, I just thought of a title..
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
That dazzling flash.
There she was. I saw her through the glass that separated her from my world. That dazzling flash. Through the glass I saw, and it got me all warm and left me wanting. I walked towards her, to get a closer look. Was she who I thought she was? Would she be all I hoped she would be?
She was beautiful, in every sense of the word. With eyes you longed to stare into and get lost. And lost was certainly where I ended up. It was a quick encounter, a few words exchanged, and we were back to being ourselves again - yet never able to really be the old selves we were, because a that moment, it all changed. But we didn't know that yet.
There were many beautiful examples that I came across after that day, more beautiful even; with aspects even greater in every respect, but none ever got to me like she did. She highlighted facts that which I had defined, only to myself. Yes, there are many more out there, some even works of art; that also dazzled me, but only that much. That aura of charm, of comfort, somehow, seems to be missing. I find it not in anyone else. And I expect not to do so, though I fear I may be wrong. Only she, has managed to capture my heart, and my mind, and my soul. There can be no other. There will be no other. Through all bright lights, and inviting glances; through all the novelty I have never before seen, the memory of that flash remains. It has me won. It has me. That dazzling flash. In the end, what is defined, is.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The perfect model.
The perfect model.
A vision to behold.
Smooth lines flowing over a sculpted body.
A strong heart with an even stronger will.
Always has her feet firmly on the ground.
Sharp responses,
accompanied by an even sweeter sound.
So easy to handle,
she makes you feel you're in control,
even when really, she's too smart
to let you suffer for anything you do wrong.
Treat her well, and she'll treasure you,
and always keep you safe.
Because her heart beats just for you.
Only you know how to truly turn her on.
The perfect woman?
The perfect car?
Same difference... :)
A vision to behold.
Smooth lines flowing over a sculpted body.
A strong heart with an even stronger will.
Always has her feet firmly on the ground.
Sharp responses,
accompanied by an even sweeter sound.
So easy to handle,
she makes you feel you're in control,
even when really, she's too smart
to let you suffer for anything you do wrong.
Treat her well, and she'll treasure you,
and always keep you safe.
Because her heart beats just for you.
Only you know how to truly turn her on.
The perfect woman?
The perfect car?
Same difference... :)
Monday, December 14, 2009
The dividing line..
Why do I jump the fence?
Only to fall deep into the ocean that it protects.
Swimming against the currents that surround me.
The waters that appear so beautiful, clear and blue,
pacifying me with their soothing notes,
now are despicably salty, and burn my senses.
Now, back out of the water,
I try hard to jump back over the fence.
It seems higher - so much more difficult to jump back over
than it was to jump in..
The ocean had drained me.
I dared not look back lest the waters lure me in again..
But, now believing I can jump back over,
I try, with all my might,
and, possibly, succeed.
I cannot look back again.
I must not.
For if I do, I shall once again feel drawn to it,
mesmerising as it is on the other side of the fence..
But, I fear for myself - for I won't survive again.
I shall only drown and lose myself,
never to be able to find myself again.
I grip the fence tight.
I look back at the ocean.
For no matter how hard I try,
it's memories remain with eyes closed.
I must see it. Watch it's graceful waves.
Stare into it's beauty, yet feel my hand bleed,
a perfect compliment to my heart.
For I dare not jump over again.
Why should I jump over the fence?
Why...do I want to again??
Only to fall deep into the ocean that it protects.
Swimming against the currents that surround me.
The waters that appear so beautiful, clear and blue,
pacifying me with their soothing notes,
now are despicably salty, and burn my senses.
Now, back out of the water,
I try hard to jump back over the fence.
It seems higher - so much more difficult to jump back over
than it was to jump in..
The ocean had drained me.
I dared not look back lest the waters lure me in again..
But, now believing I can jump back over,
I try, with all my might,
and, possibly, succeed.
I cannot look back again.
I must not.
For if I do, I shall once again feel drawn to it,
mesmerising as it is on the other side of the fence..
But, I fear for myself - for I won't survive again.
I shall only drown and lose myself,
never to be able to find myself again.
I grip the fence tight.
I look back at the ocean.
For no matter how hard I try,
it's memories remain with eyes closed.
I must see it. Watch it's graceful waves.
Stare into it's beauty, yet feel my hand bleed,
a perfect compliment to my heart.
For I dare not jump over again.
Why should I jump over the fence?
Why...do I want to again??
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
It's all relative...
"A minute spent with a loved one feels like a second, while a minute on a hot stove feels like an hour." How true the words of Einstein, his "theory of relativity". However, it's a bit different with speed. The feeling is very similar though...
Still recovering from the stage where realisation dawns that a dream from the future just hit reality bigtime, waaay sooner than expected, I can say I am truly awed at the true meaning of certain things taken for granted. How fast is fast? How slow is slow?
"Go slow!", she yelled at me... We were on the 20bhp Pulsar 220 doin about 60. "My Kine doesn't even go 60!" 60, to her, was fast. Yeah, with a bike like that, to me, 130 was fast! Yet here I was, just a few months down the line, with a massive 315bhp V8 engined 4x4 super-sedan, needle past 200! And boy how soon did she get there! The scenery turns into a total blur as you floor that pedal, and feel the shove into the back of your seat. The safety belts tense up and hold you there. The acceleration, for me, was brutal! 210... 220... Traffic! Brake down to 60 in under 3 seconds. Feeling the G-force squish me. That was fast! Yes, to me it was...
Then there's the Murcielago. The Zonda. The Veyron. And, of course, F1 cars. 100 comes up in 3, or even 2.5 seconds. F1 cars do 0-200-0 in 5.5 seconds dead. No Veyron or Aero TT can match that yet. It's all relative. If I had a Veyron, fast would be 407!
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