“The Audi R8 is the epitome of Vorsprung durch Technik – it embodies everything it stands for – advancement through technology,” explains Benoit Tiers, Managing Director Audi India. “It also symbolises progressive design, our pursuit of perfection and unrivalled handling built from Audi’s motor sport history.” About launching the Audi R8 in the Indian market, Benoit Tiers said: “India is an important market for Audi, and there has been a tremendous interest in the Audi R8 up to pre-orders by our exclusive customers in India, so it was inevitable that we launch the Audi R8 here.”

With its mid-engine sports car Audi right away took the lead in the most demanding automotive segment. The brawn of 420 hp of its 4.2 V8-FSI engine, along with its quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the all-aluminum Audi Space Frame body, not to mention its perfection in quality and finish to be expected by Audi, place the Audi R8 in a formidable market position worldwide.

The interior of the Audi R8 offers the racing feel at a luxurious level. Its design is of no less sporty elegance than the shape of the body. The Audi R8 combines its superior performance not only with a surprising degree of day-to-day practicality, but also with exclusive equipment and a wide variety of customized interior options.

The Audi R8, which won already several awards in Germany and Europe, along with the double victory at the famous 2008 World Car of the year awards, winning both the ‘World Performance Car” and “World Car Design of the Year’ awards will be available at the seven exclusive Audi dealerships in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Pune, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

The Audi R8 4.2 V8-FSI at a glance:

Engine: displacement 4,163 cc, power output 309 kW (420 hp) at 7,800 rpm.

Maximum torque 430 Nm between 4,500 and 6,000 rpm

Performance: 0-100 km/h: 4.6 seconds, top speed 301 km/h

Drivetrain combination: quattro permanent all-wheel drive with manual six-speed transmission or six-speed R tronic.

Lexus’s SC430 coupe-convertible and Toyota’s Avalon family sedan could be on the Japanese manufacturer’s chopping block according to reports emerging from Japan.

Lexus had initially scheduled a redesigned SC to go on sale by 2009, which was later on pushed back to 2011. And now reports have started emerging that the model could well be off the list of Lexus’ future production cars. Due to the declining sales of the premium convertible and with hardly any new takers to the model, it seems that the company’s top executives simply could not justify the cost involved in redesigning and manufacturing of the new-gen car! Lexus still sells the current generation SC430 at their showrooms and its not clear yet though when the current SC430 will go out of production.

The Avalon – popularly known as the old man’s car in the United States, might suffer a fate similar to the Lexus SC430 if reports are to be believed. The sales of the mid-size family sedan had been declining steadily over the last few years. According to a report, the company is investigating whether the 2012 Camry (all-new) can double as a replacement to the Avalon by offering a long-wheelbase version of the redesigned Toyota Camry. The existing Avalon uses the Camry platform.

The Hyundai Elantra is an economic compact car with handsome styling and nice lines from Hyundai of South Korea launched in 1991. The Elantra was formerly sold as the Lantra and the Avante in some Australian and European markets.

This gave rise to disagreement from other motor manufacturers, and the name was standardized as “Elantra” worldwide in 2001.

The Hyundai Elantra is listed as EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) Picks Ten Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles. The Elantra ranked #2 in 2006 and 2007 in the category of most fuel efficient sedans, and also was ranked as the most efficient non-hybrid mid-sized sedan.

The Hyundai Elantra ranks 6 out of 29 affordable small cars. The Elantra delivers a relatively inexpensive base price, plenty of safety features and a fun drive. This is an attractive choice for the budget-buyer, and it offers a lengthy warranty.

The 2007 Hyundai Elantra is wider and taller than its predecessor featuring an all-new chassis with a fully independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars and motor-driven rack-and-pinion steering, and the body is up to 49 percent stiffer.

Some safety features of Hyundai Elantra includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, remote keyless entry and power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, and CD player, leather upholstery and heated front seats.

Wether it is new or used cars of Hyundai, still their model cars are in good quality and it’s affordable.

The Charlotte-based automotive retailer expects its full-year net income from continuing operations to range between $1.65 and $1.85 per diluted share, down from previous estimates of $2.35 to $2.50 per diluted share.

“The economic environment — notably high gas prices and low consumer confidence — has caused lower overall demand and a pronounced shift from large trucks and SUVs to smaller passenger cars,” says B. Scott Smith, president. “This has put pressure on new- and used-vehicle volume and margins. In addition, we are seeing a softer parts and service business environment than we originally anticipated.”

Smith says the company is reducing its costs and taking steps to stimulate demand in the higher-margin segments of its business.

Sonic expects its second-quarter diluted earnings from continuing operations to range between 48 and 50 cents per share. The company’s earnings from continuing operations were 65 cents per diluted share in the year-ago period.

Sonic is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, operating 166 franchises.

1. Decide on the right car for you. This may mean not getting what you want, but more what you require. Research the Consumers Reports Buying Guide or their online used car buying kit; also check out their free guide to used car buying. Remember that highly rated cars command premium prices. A lower rated car can be a gold mine if you can put up with a design flaw or two.

2. Use an online calculator to figure out payments. Don’t dwell on price just yet; consider how long you will keep the car, what an affordable payment is for your budget and how much you can put down. Consider a brand new car, particularly if it has subvented financing (a manufacturer’s reduced financing rate). And strongly consider, if possible, buying outright. The absence of monthly payments can have a wonderful effect on your finances.

3. Ask a lot of questions. Get as much history as possible of the vehicle. Try to get the previous owners name and call them. Run your own Car dealers have been known to “lose” the last sheet.

4. Test Drive the car. Always try the car on different roads, and drive for at least 15 minutes. Remember you will be driving this car for a while. See if it pulls to one side or the other. It’s alignment (or bad tires) it if pulls all the time; it’s a brake problem if it pulls when stopping. Check for brake shudder when stopping; (that’s front rotors and probably pads). It should not wander; (tires or steering components). If you have time, sit in the car for an hour, seats often feel comfortable until you’ve sat in them a while.

5. Get a professional check. Get the car checked professionally. If the dealer won’t let you have it checked by your own mechanic, run, don’t walk from that store. Pay the mechanic to check it. He should put it up in the air and check for frame/underbody damage.

6. Negotiate. Always have an idea of what you want to pay for the vehicle before you start. Go in lower, and try to compromise at the point that is good for you. Remember a “win win” situation is always required for a sale to occur. Never negotiate if you are not ready to say yes there and then. It will lose you power/credibility over the dealer, when you are ready to buy.

7. Always get all the paper work. V5, MOT, and service history. Insist on 2 sets of keys minimum.

8. Get a vehicle report. You don’t want to end up with a car that has been flooded and since many used cars have been brought on the lot with just that problem. Ordering a vehicle history report is worth your time and money and empowers consumers in knowing exactly what they are purchasing.

9. Know the financial vehicle history of the used car. To make sure a car is not stolen, police agencies have records of stolen vehicles reported to them. Consult with the police if you are not satisfied with the amount of detail you are getting from the vehicle history it can save you time and worry down the line.

Everyone has their own idea about how this may happen. Perhaps the oil fairy will magically boost OPEC production by 3,000 per cent or the elusive Iraq reserve will come pouring out of domestic taps.

Equally, everyone has their own idea how this crisis came to pass. Market speculation, extra demand from emerging economies, worries that Ronaldo may sign for Madrid.

However, there is one indisputable contributory factor. Here in Britain we did not keep a close enough check on how much oil was left.

This is because Britain’s oil is in the North Sea and the dipsticks are in Parliament.

In the meantime what do we do?

Forget the men with mad hair who claim to have made a Mondeo run on Fanta. If you don’t want to see your children eating their own feet a solution is in our own hands.

At the risk of sounding like Golden Gordon, our salvation, I am afraid, lies in restraint.

Air conditioning? Turn it off and fuel consumption could improve by as much as 12 per cent. Properly inflated tyres will improve it by a further 5 per cent.

Smarten up your scruffy gearchange, keep to 56mph on the motorway, bin the lying sat nav and you will soon be competing with a strimmer.

All of which, like a wartime diet, is terminally dreary.

Unlike the option of buying a Ford Focus Econetic 1.6 TDCi diesel.

It is a car for our age, with a prospective 65mpg making its only natural predator the Golf Bluemotion.

Genetically the same as the regular 1.6 TDCi, the ECOnetic is what you expect from a Focus. But, of course, because this is a car for our self-inflicted misery, it comes with hog’s-hair interior and a revolutionary new discomfort pack.

Well actually no, it doesn’t.

The ECOnetic is no getaway car, reaching 62mph in 11 seconds, but you won’t be suffering while it gets there.

Equipment, both safety and interior is good with air conditioning - see above - electric windows, CD player, ESP and braking assists.

Several tweaks make the economic difference. Lower suspension, drag reducing styling kit with spoiler and skirts and Michelin Energy low resistance tyres.

On the road this is not a car you will rag. That would defeat the point. Focus handling is well regarded and while the suspension changes have hardened the ride, the five-speed Econetic is still a comfortable long-rage cruiser.

Increasingly the future of driving is going to be economics. The Econetic costs £250 more than the Style model at £16,050 but road tax is £35 and company tax 13 per cent. You don’t buy this car to save the planet, you buy it to save money.

On the other hand if you are looking to boost personal funds and enjoy a white knuckle ride, try bank robbery.

The best month to buy a car within the year is over is in December. The reason is that during this time, a lot of people are busy with their holiday shopping. This is the perfect time to choose a car without any hassle. You will have the option to pick any car with no competition whatsoever. Also, car dealers want to break their sales record by the end of the year, therefore, making the car prices go lower than the usual.

Still if you don’t want to end up buying one at the end of the year, then look for a better deal. Ask around and know when a dealer will be getting rebates from the car manufacturer. Dealers will cut you with a better price if they get extra earnings or incentives from car brands such as Ford, Toyota, Chevy, and others. Browse for rebate car offers on newspaper ads and the online web. They will at least, give you an idea on when a rebate is going on.

Finally, to get the best car deal, be knowledgeable when it comes to buying cars. Be well-informed and do a bit of research. While researching, know your credit score and your finances. Be sure that you can afford to get a car from your income. Do your work and soon, you’ll be having your own set of wheels that you can drive freely on your neighborhood.

The Electric Minis are being built at the Mini factory in Oxford, England, without engines, gearboxes or fuel tanks, then shipped to Munich, Germany, where they are being fitted with electric powertrains.

BMW sources told Automotive News Europe that 490 of the Minis will be leased to selected customers in California and 10 will be used as show cars.

The Electric Minis are painted silver and have yellow roofs, the sources said.

BMW engineers working on the electric Minis are part of a new division called Project i established by the automaker to develop low-emission city cars.

The electric Minis will help BMW to meet new California regulations that will require carmakers selling cars in the state to offer zero emission vehicles.

Mini spokesman Cypselus von Frankenberg did not confirm that BMW is building electric Minis.

“BMW will announce whether it will build electric vehicles or not later this year,” he told ANE.

Other carmakers are developing electric cars.

Volkswagen, Daimler, PSA/Peugeot-Citroen and Renault have all announced electric-vehicle programs in recent months, joining several U.S. and Japanese automakers that are working on the technology.

Chevrolet will unveil a small crossover - Cruze at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008. Growing concerns on fuel economy and pollution legislation around the world has compelled most auto makers to re-align their vehicle lineup to reduce carbon footprints.

General Motors has not lifted the veil on what this small crossover will look like as yet.  All we know is that the Cruze has been penned by Chevrolet’s global design and engineering team and is to be built in multiple locations around the world. The Cruze is designed to handle a parcel of five passengers.

Chevrolet used to sell a badge-engineered version of the Suzuki Ignis with the same name ‘Cruze’ in Japan as well as some South Asian markets. The same was rebadged as the Subaru Justy for Europe and Holden Cruze for Australia. We are not sure if Chevy is intending to launch an all-new Cruze altogether or scout around from its partner parts-bin and come up with some sort of a compact SUV to keep up with the rest of the players in the market!

One thing we are definitely sure of is that the Cruze is gonna cruise to this side of the world as their press release rightly puts it: The new Chevrolet Cruze will be available in European markets in spring 2009, followed by other “global regions”. Currently the smallest SUV offered by Chevrolet here in the Middle East is the mid-sizer Captiva.

The image shown with this story is that of the Captive and not Cruze.

Here are details on some of the new cars which are soon going to be available on sale in the Indian market.

Tata is clearly aiming to launch the Nano model in the festival season around October.

Audi is all set to launch their new A4 model.

Porsche would be bringing their new generation 911 Carrera sports car.

BMW is working on launching their updated 5-series edition model.

Mercedes is also going to launch their latest edition of E-Class. The company is also said to be working on bringing the latest editions of M class and SLK in the Indian market.