autox - december 2011
DESCRIPTION
Here's a sneak peek at the cover feature - a battle between two BMWs. The 650i luxury convertible goes up against the S1000RR sportbike. Plus we preview Ducati's Panigale and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL01.We also drive the Infinity FX50, Skoda Rapid, Ford Fiesta with a dual clutch gearbox and Audi's diesel A8.TRANSCRIPT
FEATURE
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CHEVY CAMARO ZL01
DRIVE
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INFINITI FX 50S
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SKODA RAPID
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SKODA RAPID
ENGINE 1,598CC / IN-LINE 4-CYLINDER / DOHC / 16 VALVES
FUEL PETROL
TRANSMISSION 5-SPEED MANUAL / 6-SPEED TIPTRONIC / FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE
POWER 105BHP @ 5250RPM
TORQUE 153NM @ 3800RPM
ENGINE 1,598CC / IN-LINE 4-CYLINDER / DOHC / 16 VALVES / COMMON RAIL DIRECT INJECTION / TURBOCHARGED
FUEL DIESEL
TRANSMISSION 5-SPEED MANUAL / FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE
POWER 105BHP @ 4400RPM
TORQUE 250NM @ 1500-2500RPM
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FORD FIESTA AUTOMATIC
ENGINE 1,499 CC / 4 CYLINDERS / 16 VALVE / DOHC /VARIABLE CAM TIMING
FUEL PETROL
TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC / FRONT WHEEL DRIVE
POWER 108 BHP @ 6045 RPM
TORQUE 140 NM @ 4500 RPM
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FORD FIESTA AUTOMATIC
RIDE
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YAMAHA R15
CO
WE SAMPLE THE BEST OF BAVARIA – ON TWO WHEELS AND FOUR – TO SEE WHICH IS MORE CAPTIVATING. TEXT ASHISH JHA IMAGES KAPIL VASHIST
FEATURE BMW 650i & BMW S1000RR
AS I GLANCE INTO THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, AMEYA HAS SET OFF WITH HIS CO-PASSENGER RECLINING HIS HEAD WITH EYES CLOSED – TAKING IN THE IMMENSE SATISFACTION THAT COMES WITH OPEN-AIR MOTORING
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FINGERS DEPRESS THE CLUTCH, THE FOOT TAPS THE GEAR LEVER, AND THE RIGHT WRIST OPENS THE THROTTLE. THE REAR OF THE RR SLIDES A LITTLE, AS THIS TWO-WHEELED JET TAKES OFF INTO A VOID OF THE UNKNOWN
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face. I slow down, and Ameya pulls up alongside me. I gesture and shoot off –
we would meet at the designated point.
The S1000RR is one of the most complete superbikes I’ve ever ridden. I’ve
always believed that the 2009 Yamaha R1 is one of the greatest bikes ever. But
the S1000RR is just better than that. The sheer rush of power from the handlebar
to the exhaust is dramatic. Some reptiles and fish are supposed to be extremely
agile, but the RR could give them an educative session on agility. I must admit
that the bike wasn’t prepared for my riding style, and I would have preferred to
change the setup a bit – but, frankly, there just wasn’t enough time. But, even
with the setup not to my taste, the RR was simply in a league above everything
else I’d ridden lately. The handling is Samurai-sword-sharp, the ride is compliant,
and the steering responds to your thoughts – period! We didn’t quite get to
redline the motor, but even taking it to 9500 revs, you’re assured with authority
from the lungs of this 999cc engine that the raw pulsating power is only going to
get fiercer as you go further though the rev counter.
After taking in the best of Bavaria, on two wheels and four, we pull over
once again. Needless to say, everyone is smiling. I take my jacket off and,
understanding my intentions, Ameya gives me the keys to the 650i. I press the
gas pedal as deep as it would go, and the sweet smell of rubber fills the air
behind me. After tackling the same route in the car, I return – still smiling. But,
truth be told, there’s a sense of incompleteness in comparison to the bike. The
650 simply doesn’t have the theatre of the S1000RR from behind the wheel.
The 650i is, without the shadow of a doubt, an immensely satisfying car. But
it doesn’t set your heart racing – it doesn’t let you feel the blood rushing through
your veins. The 6 series encourages you to witness a celebration – to be central
to it. But, the S100RR – that is a celebration.
As we headed back to the madness of our daily lives, we felt inspired – we felt
alive. And what more could you ask from two of Bavaria’s finest!
ENGINE 4395CC / V8 / 32 VALVES / TWIN TURBOCHARGED
FUEL PETROL
TRANSMISSION 8-SPEED AUTOMATIC
POWER 407BHP @ 5500-6400RPM
TORQUE 600NM @ 1750-4500RPM
PRICE `1.1 CRORE (EX-SHOWROOM, DELHI)
ENGINE 999CC / IN-LINE 4 CYLINDER / 16 VALVES / DOHC
FUEL PETROL
TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED MANUAL
POWER 193BHP @ 13000RPM
TORQUE 112NM @ 9750RPM
PRICE `23 LAKHS (EX-SHOWROOM, MUMBAI)
BMW 650i
BMW S1000RR
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BMW 650i & BMW S1000RR
THE 6 SERIES LET’S YOU WITNESS A CELEBRATION. THE S100RR – THAT IS A CELEBRATIONFACTOR
FEATURE
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AUDI A8 DIESEL
TEXT DHRUV BEHL
A GP WITH SOUL!
FEATURE
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INDIAN F1 GP