50 reasons why Bikes are better than Girlfriends...

1. Bike's curves never sag.

2. Bikes last longer.

3. Bikes don’t get pregnant.

4. You can ride a Bikes any time of the month.

5. Bikes don’t have parents.

6. Bikes don’t whine unless something is really wrong.

7. You can kick your Bike to wake it up.

8. You can share your Bike with your friends.

9. You can use a silencer on a bike to reduce the 'noise'.

10. You only need to get a new chain or belt for your Bike when the old one is really worn.

11. If your Bike smokes, you can do something about it.

12. The more Bikes you have ridden, the better the newer Bike feels.

13. When riding, you and your Bike both 'arrive' at the same time.

14. Bikes don’t care about how many other Bikes you have.

15. Bikes don’t mind if you look at other Bikes.

16. New Bikes must be asked for, and if you don’t want to pay for them, you don’t get them.

17. If your Bike goes flat, you can fix it.

18. If your Bike is too loose, you can tighten it.

19. If your Bike is too soft, you can get different shocks.

20. If your Bike is mis-aligned, you don’t have to 'discuss things over' to correct it.

21. You can have a beer while riding your Bike.

22. You can have a 'cheap' Bike and still show it to your parents - infact they'll be happy too.

23. You respect the person that works on your Bike and tunes it for you, forget being jealous.

24. You don’t have to deal with priests or blood-tests to register your Bike.

25. You don’t have to convince your Bike that you’re a motorcyclist and that you think that Bikes are equals.

26. If you say bad things to your Bikes, you don’t have to apologize before you can ride it again.

27. You can ride a Bike as long as you want and it won’t get sore.

28. Your parents don’t remain in touch with your old Bike after you dump it.

29. Bikes always want you to ride them.

30. Bikes don’t insult you if you are a bad rider.

31. Your Bike never wants a night out alone with the other Bikes.

32. Bikes don’t care if you are late.

33. You don’t have to take a shower before riding your Bike.

34. It’s always ok to use tie downs on your Bike.

35. If your Bike doesn’t look good, you can paint it or get better parts.

36. You can’t get diseases from a Bike you don’t know very well.

37. The Bike doesn't care how many Bikes you have ridden in the past.

38. Bikes dont care if you buy 'Bike magazines'.

39. You can always 'buy' the Bike you like, and there is nothing wrong about it.

40. Bikes come with resale value.

41. Bikes don't ask for their own space.

42. Bikes can co-exist with other bikes under the same roof.

43. Bikes don't ask for a new paintjob every weekend in oder to look good.

44. Bikes don't leak too often.

45. You can kiss multiple Bikes a 'goodnight/good morning' at the same time and they still won't complain.

46. A Bike won't keep a watch on you.

47. A Bike won't read your e-mails/sms when you ain't around.

48. Bikes dont back-bitch.

49. Bikes don't have ego clashes with you.

50. Bikes come first in the well-known following of 'Bikes, Babes 'n' Booze'.

2009 Audi A6

The Audi A6:
An overachiever with new strengths

• The world’s most successful business sedan just got better
• New engines – High efficiency and power
• Suspension refinements and new high-tech features

A winner always builds on his strengths: That’s why Audi has again upgraded its luxury class A6 model. Efficient engines have been added to the drive-train lineup, with innovative technologies cutting fuel consumption by about 15 percent across the whole model range. An improved suspension and new high-tech assistance system give the driver even greater control over the car. And the new-generation MMI control system is out-performing itself. The revamped A6 will be launched in the German market in late summer.

It’s the sportiest and most popular business sedan on the market. The Audi A6 is leading the Premium C pack – both in Europe and around the world. In 2007, Audi sold about 234,000 units, giving the A6 a 37 percent market share among its core competitors. Most of the A6’s sold were equipped with six- or eight-cylinder engines, permanent 4x4 quattro and a luxury assortment of optional equipment – all evidence of the high regard Audi technologies is enjoying worldwide. Its design is emphasized by a range of bold new accents, perfectly articulating the A6’s strong personality. The single-frame grill, bumpers, air vents and fog lights have all gotten a facelift. The optionally-available xenon plus, LED daytime running lights have been redesigned as horizontal strips with 6 LEDs each. Other options include Audi adaptive light, a dynamic cornering light system, and the high-beam assistant that automatically switches between the high and low beam. An aluminum-colored molding traversing the sides emphasizes the A6’s dynamic contour. At 4.93 meters (16.17 ft) long, 1.86 meters (6.10 ft) wide, and 1.46 meters (4.79 ft) high, little has changed in the sedan’s generous proportions. The gentle lip on the trunk, integrated chrome strip on the bumper, broad diffuser and straight exhaust pipes are part and partial of the revamped rear end. The bipartite rear lights with LED technology have also gotten a new look: narrow and wide, they taper inward on the sedan. And there are 13 exterior colors to choose from, including five new ones. The A6’s spacious interior with its clean and elegant contours and perfect craftsmanship is characteristic of this luxury brand. The rear seats are extremely comfortable and the L-shaped headrests improve the driver’s rear view visibility. As an option, the back seats can be fitted with a comfortable 2-seater bench. A package of elaborate features makes sure the noise level is cut by almost half, particularly within critical frequency ranges. The instrument panel uses new higher-resolution graphics; and a new frame better accentuates the display (color in the optional MMI navigation system). Tastefully-appointed chrome trim, even on the spokes of the steering wheel, call attention to its overall elegance and inlays are available in either aluminum look or fine woods. As is expected of an Audi, the interior designers have made sure all the colors and materials match. Standard seats can be optionally upholstered with a new material; the sport seats are available in Valcona leather. Soft armrests on the doors increase comfort, while the integrated headrest system reduces the danger of whiplash. Audi is now offering an S-line sports package for the most dynamic of drivers. The package includes enhanced performance features like 18-inch wheels and sports suspension that lowers the ride height by 30 millimeters (1.18 in). Its sporty seats, decorative inlays and upholstery give the black-trimmed interior a feeling of even more exclusivity and the S-line exterior package provides more drama. Features from this Audi exclusive program are tailor-made to fit the A6’s luxury-seeking mavericks. One of the major strengths of the A6 lies in its broad selection of engines: six gas and four diesels use direct fuel injection and cutting-edge FSI, TFSI and TDI technologies in a choice of four, six or eight cylinders. Whether stick shift, convenient tiptronic or high-efficiency multitronic, the energy literally flows to the front wheels, or all four wheels for that matter. Its engines are both powerful and efficient. New measures have been introduced to optimize engines and minimize fuel consumption without sacrificing one ounce of driving pleasure. Fuel consumption over the whole A6 family has been lowered by about 15 percent. The smallest gas engine is the 2.0 TFSI, a 125 kW (170 hp) turbocharged four-cylinder unit. On the other end of the spectrum is the 4.2 FSI, a 257 kW (350 hp) V8 engine. Audi V6 models can be equipped with one of its two new 2.8 liter FSI engines; the 140 kW (190 hp) or the 162 kW (220 hp). Both engines feature the innovative Audi Valvelift System (AVS), which manages the inlet valve timing so that there is more torque and less fuel consumption. Regardless of which 2.8 FSI engine the A6 sedan is fitted, average fuel consumption is only 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers (28.68 US mpg) for the 190 hp, 6-speed manual shift or 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers (28.00 US mpg) for the 220 hp multitronic CVT. With its 3-liter displacement and 213 kW (290 hp) power output, the V6 is a particularly exciting newcomer. Audi has designed the perfect package for each one of its engine. That’s why the 3.0 TFSI is fitted with a supercharger. From now on “T” doesn’t just stand for turbocharged – it stands for supercharged. Supercharger technology does not mean increased consumption – but the short intake paths do mean instantaneous response. And it’s got full power build-up even at low engine speeds: from 2500 1/min to 4850 1/min, the torque curve is broad and flat at 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft). The 3.0 TFSI comes with tiptronic and quattro drive train. The A6 sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.9 seconds and keeps on going as it presses to its electronically-regulated maximum speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). This is the kind of performance that only an eight-cylinder engine would have been able to deliver a few years ago. At 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers (24.76 US mpg) on the EU cycle, the supercharged V6 is amazingly economical. The 3.0 TFSI’s combination of dynamic performance and low consumption is one more example of Audi’s successful efficiency strategy. The A6 TDI engines give further evidence of just how closely Audi has been able to align sporty performance and efficiency. Fuel is delivered by the extremely sophisticated and quiet system of common rails with rapid-action piezo injectors and an injection pressure of 1800 bar (26,106.79 psi). The two V6 TDI engines (2.7 TDI with 140 kW (190 hp) and 3.0 TDI with 176 kW (240 hp) have peak torques of 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft), respectively. At the lower end of the diesel program is the four-cylinder 2.0 TDI engine, which is available in two versions: the 125 kW (170 hp), expected in fall 2008, and the 100 kW (136 hp). The basic version is an especially efficient e-model known as the 2.0 TDIe, which uses a six-speed manual shift or automatic multitronic transmission to deliver 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque to the front wheels. With multitronic it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.9 seconds, and continues on to a top speed of 204 km/h (126.76 mph). Yet its average fuel consumption with a manual shift gearbox is only 5.3 liters per 100 km (44.38 US mpg), equivalent to CO2 emissions of app. 139 grams per kilometer (224 grams per mile). The key to achieving such exemplary values is the strategic deployment of innovative technologies. The power steering pump operates on demand; the alternator regenerates electrical energy when coasting thereby reducing load off the engine. By lowering the ride height by 20 millimeters (0.79 in) and other aerodynamic fine-tuning, the drag coefficient has been reduced to cD = 0.28. The transmission can be used longer in the upper two gears. Any manual-shift A6 with Driver Information System, even the 2.0 TDIe, can opt to have the shift indicator displayed in the instrument panel. The icon lets the driver know which gear is most economical under actual circumstances. Audi quattro four-wheel drive is available on all engines with 140 kW (190 hp) or above and is standard equipment on high-end aggregates. The manual shift, 140 kW (190 hp) 2.8 FSI notwithstanding, this is the very latest generation quattro with the newly emphasized rear-end design. It gives the A6 tremendous driving characteristics, remarkable grip and superior safety. Under normal conditions, the torque split is 40 percent to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear. The mechanically-operated Torsen differential immediately diverts most of the power to the axle, providing better traction whenever the need arises – in extreme cases, up to 65 percent to the front or 85 percent to the rear. In fine-tuning the A6, two key objectives were identified – increasing its comfort while retaining its sporty character. With new large-diameter, front-axle shock absorbers operating within an optimized valve system, Audi engineers were able to achieve both goals. Every other aspect of the suspension set-up has been improved, including the automotive spring response. The A6 can be equipped with factory-fitted adaptive air suspension so that the driver can vary his response and the characteristics of the adaptive shock absorbers into three styles. High-powered engines come equipped with larger 17-inch wheel brakes. Audi can also be fitted with a tire pressure monitoring system, which is entirely wear-free and maintenance-free. The customer can opt for run-flat tires, which limit the car to 50 kilometers (31 miles) should there be a drop in air pressure. Audi has integrated several new high-tech assistance systems. The new Audi side assist kicks in to help drivers when changing lanes at speeds over 30 km/h (18.64 mph), ensuring a stress-free and superior drive. Using radar sensors, Audi Side Assist is able to detect other cars up to 50 meters (164.04 ft) away: a signal on the outside mirror lights up should changing lanes pose a threat. Audi lane assist helps keep drivers in their own lane, radar-assisted adaptive cruise control keeps a steady distance to the vehicle ahead, and Audi parking system advanced has a rearview camera. Since its debut in 2002, the Audi Multi Media Interface system (MMI) has been setting the standard for perfectly controlling any number of functions. The A6 comes equipped with the latest MMI generation, including the top-of-the-line MMI Navigation plus. Its basic construction has not changed. The central control knob can still be found on the middle console between the front seats and the operation is still carried out using large buttons. The new joystick capping the control knob means the MMI Navigation plus can be operated even more intuitively. MMI Navigation plus is an ultimate solution, pioneering in an entirely new system generation with high-tech portfolio and ground-breaking standards. Special features include a CD/DVD/Navigation combination drive with a 40 GB hard drive capacity which can be used to store MP3s and up to 5000 addresses. With its 7-inch, high-resolution screen, the monitor on this ultimate navigation system is truly innovative. The image is rich in contrast and incredibly sharp even under difficult lighting conditions. It also has an optional TV tuner that receives digital programs (DVB-T) in perfect quality. The new navigation system has another innovation. A new bird's eye picture mode shows landscapes in topographical relief – in full detail, complete with three-dimensional images of landmark buildings. The monitor has a new operating principle: when adjusting specific functions like air conditioning or seat heating, a pop-up window appears at the right rather than taking over the whole screen. Most of the new features found in the A6 sedan and Avant are also present in two other models: the versatile A6 allroad quattro and the dynamic S6. The A6 allroad quattro can be powered either by the new 213 kW (290 hp) 3.0 TFSI engine or one of the two powerful V6 TDI diesels. The V10 on the S6 has 320 kW (435 hp). Changes made to the sports model are limited to interior and exterior optical details. The upgraded Audi A6 will be available in German dealer showrooms as of mid-October 2008. Starting at 34,200 Euros for the A6 2.0 TFSI sedan, Audi’s initial list prices have remained virtually unchanged, despite all the extensive innovations.

HONDA CIVIC SPORT

HSCI launches Limited Edition Sport variant of Civic

Celebrating 300,000 Honda car sales in India ( Sunday, August 10, 2008, New Delhi )

New Delhi, Aug 10, 2008: Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, launched a limited edition sport variant of its premium executive sedan – the Honda Civic. This special sport edition has been launched to celebrate the milestone of HSCI acquiring 300,000 happy Honda car customers in India.The new Civic variant offers distinctive sporty features with front under-spoiler, side under-spoiler, rear under-spoiler and a trunk-spoiler in addition to best-in-class luxury and driving pleasure that customers enjoy with the Honda Civic. This sporty look is further accentuated with features like exclusive white aluminum alloy wheels, side sticker and a special car serial number on the gear shift column to certify its limited edition.At the heart of the Civic Sport is Honda’s acclaimed 1.8 L i-VTEC engine and is being offered in manual transmission only.The Honda Civic Sport was showcased at the 9th Auto Expo in January this year and had received an overwhelming response from visitors. On the basis of customer interest in the model, HSCI has decided to make it available at an attractive price of Rs 12.36 lakh including the sports kit (ex-showroom, Delhi).Announcing the launch of the new variant, Mr. Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd said, “We are delighted to expand our product portfolio with the launch of the new limited-edition Civic Sport. This launch will help broaden our customer base and appeal to the ‘young at heart’ target audience. The new Civic variant offers a perfect blend of sporty styling, refined elegance and exhilarating driving experience”.

Hyundai-Kia becomes 5th largest automaker

PRESS RELEASE

Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group Joins
Ranks of Global Top 5 Automakers
- Rapid climb from 11th in 1999 global rankings to 5th place in 2007


New Delhi, July 2, 2008: With global sales of 3,961,629 units in 2007 the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group has emerged as the world's fifth largest automaker moving up from sixth place in 2006, according to Automotive News' 2008 Global Market Data Book published on June 30, 2008.

While quantitative growth has been an important objective in the past for the Group, the company's efforts are now focused on qualitative growth in terms of continuous improvement in corporate social responsibility, profitability, technological innovation and brand power. Hyundai-Kia has the momentum to keep on growing.

The Group has seen remarkable growth in the four decades since Hyundai Motor Co. was founded. It ranked as the world's eleventh largest automaker in 1999, the year Hyundai-Kia Chairman Chung Mong-Koo took over the helm as the CEO. Since then, under Chairman Chung's leadership, it has moved steadily up the rankings ladder, accelerating its push to globalize operations by building new manufacturing plants in the United States, China, India, Slovakia, Czech and Russia.

Counting the export sales of 185,114 complete knock-down kits which are assembled by overseas partners, the Group's 2007 global sales reached 4,146,743 units. Automotive News' methodology excludes CKD sales.

2007 Global Sales Rankings

1. Toyota Motor Corp. 9,366,000
2. General Motors 8,902,252
3. Volkswagen AG 6,191,618
4. Ford Motor Co. 5,964,000
5. Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group 3,961,629
6. Honda Motor Co. Ltd. 3,831,000
7. Nissan Motor Co. 3,675,574
8. PSA/Peugeot-Citroen SA 3,428,400
9. Chrysler LLC 2,676,268
10. Fiat S.p.A. 2,620,864

2009 Honda Jazz

Press Release

New ACE body structure

Even more efficient safety performance results from the introduction of the ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) body structure, a concept that is being progressively rolled out across the Honda range. Its structure, in particular a front polygonal main frame, helps to reduce the negative effect of misalignment between vehicles of different sizes and construction and multiple energy absorbing pathways disperse impact energy to prevent cabin deformation.

Standard on all models are dual front and side airbags, full length side curtain airbags and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions, those in the front with dual-stage pretensioners. The front passenger airbag can also be deactivated to allow a rear facing child seat to be fitted to the front seat and for the first time Jazz is equipped with seatbelt reminders for both the front and rear seats. Front seats are also fitted with active headrests to minimise the potential for whiplash injuries.

Two ISOFIX fittings in the left and right rear seats together with tether anchors in the roof ensure correct child seat installation.

Larger, more refined cabin with even better functionality

The ingenious interior layout of the original Jazz, with its compact suspension and centrally-mounted fuel tank liberating more load space, together with the increased external dimensions of the new model, mean interior comfort has been taken to a new level.

Rear seat passengers now have 37 mm greater knee room, while the distance between front and rear passengers is up by 30 mm. The slightly wider body also means shoulder room increases by 44 mm in the front and 43 mm in the rear.

Visibility gets a considerable boost, too. Reduced width A-pillars, a larger windscreen and quarter windows three times the size of those in the previous model make for more relaxed driving, while retractable rear headrests ensure the view out of the rear window is now totally unobscured.

Magic Seats now one-motion dive-down

Given the popularity of the previous Jazz's innovative ‘cinema' style rear seats, it comes as little surprise that Honda chose to offer a similar arrangement in the new car; but while the latest Magic Seats operate on the same principle, they are even more convenient since they have a one-motion, dive-down operation. No longer is there a need to move the front seats forward to collapse the rear seats. Instead, thanks to headrests that are virtually flush with the seatback, the 2:1 split rear seats are able to clear the front seats even when the latter are slid back to their rearmost position.

New Double-Trunk boot feature (1.4-litre models)

The outstanding practicality of the Magic Seats concept is complemented in the new Jazz by a flexible luggage area based on similar principles to the arrangement found in the Honda CR-V. Standard on 1.4 models, which are equipped with a tyre repair kit, the Double-Trunk boot features an underfloor storage area concealed by a double hinged panel - Regular Mode. The 230 mm deep, 64 litre capacity lower compartment is ideal for stashing sports gear or wet items, and once covered, won't soil other luggage.

The floor can be removed altogether or folded up against the rear seats to make full use of the total depth available - ideal for particularly tall objects (Tall Mode). Alternatively, rather than folding the complete panel against the seat backs, its rear half can be folded up to create a load shelf at half height - so creating a double load space - Upper/lower Mode. Heavier items can be stored below, while lighter items can be placed on the upper shelf, and since it incorporates a load net, is perfect for carrying awkwardly shaped items, preventing them from moving around.

Total luggage space available is 399 litres in models with a tyre repair kit, greater than that of some compact MPVs and class-leading in the supermini sector. The previous Jazz had a total of 380 litres (VDA).

Refined cabin environment

High quality, pleasant-to-the touch materials, stylish design and tasteful colours give the cabin a more upmarket feel.

More comfortable front seats with better support, a driver's footrest, a height adjustable driver's seat, a steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake and larger rear seats are just some of the features that contribute to the more cosseting, more relaxed cabin environment. Extra sound insulation and the increased body rigidity also play their part in making the Jazz a pleasant place to be. And for a real sense of spaciousness, the Jazz 1.4 EX is equipped with a panorama roof that extends over the rear seats for a great aerial view. Heat absorbing glass and a power sun shade ensure a comfortable cabin environment all year round.

Source: Honda

Click Here for the images