Following the highly successful introduction of the Continental GT Speed coupe in 2007, Bentley has launched the Bentley Continental Flying Spur in India. 

Powered by a 5998 cc, 6-cylinder, 600 bhp engine, the Continental Flying Spur Speed develops 15 per cent more torque and nine percent more power than the standard Flying Spur, while engine efficiency is optimized by the use of lower friction, lighter-weight components and a new engine management system. The resultant performance is exceptional, with a top speed of 322km/h, a zero to 60mph sprint time of just 4.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s) and effortless overtaking capability. 

The most powerful four-door Bentley ever made, the Flying Spur Speed blends understated design cues to distinguish it from the Flying Spur. Its front grille and lower air intakes are dark-tinted chrome, while at the rear wider rifled sports exhaust tailpipes hint at the potential of the Speed model. The luxury saloon is priced an approximate Rs 2.5 crores.

M&M has received an order for 500 Logans from South Africa. This is in addition to the 500 Logans exported to South Africa earlier, taking the total number of Logans exported to 1000 units. 200 Logans were despatched to South Africa last month. 

The Logan model exported to South Africa is the GLSx petrol , which features several state-of-the-art features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), anti-rust warranty and a sophisticated Driver Information System that provides the driver with detailed information including average speed, mileage, fuel consumption and distance the car can travel with existing level of fuel.

After a painful exit from Singur in West Bengal, Tata's most exciting project yet, the much talked about small car Nano has settled for Sanand in Gujarat. After facing violent protests at Singur, it was in early October 2008 that Ratan, Chairman, Tata Motors announced the pullout from Singur after a meeting the West Bengal CM, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and minister in charge, department of commerce and industries, Nirupam Sen. If Tata had expressed anguish over the heightened level of agitation and hostility by the opposition parties in West Bengal over the Nano project, and which would result in a concern for the physical security of their staff, contractors and vendors, the mood in Sanand after the formal announcement by Ratan Tata and Gujarat CM Narendra Modi was that of celebration. 

Interestingly, the 1,100 acres of land sanctioned to the Nano project will have an initial capacity of 250,000 cars and which would be expanded to 500,000. Adjoining the mother plant will be a vendor park even as the industry experts hinted at vendors setting up shops in the industrially active belt of Rajkot, not very far from Sanand. While Modi announced that the land for the project was issued at the prevailing market rate, Ratan Tata expressed his happiness at the speed at which the infratstructure and facilities were made available. 

He added, “The site in Gujarat, already under the possession of the state government, will help Tata Motors establish a new dedicated mother plant with the shortest possible time lag and least possible incremental project cost. This is Tata Motors’ maiden venture in Gujarat, and will broad-base the company’s manufacturing footprint. We are happy to contribute to Gujarat’s strong industrial progress by creating an auto cluster, which will have a cascading impact on the state’s economy”. 

While the Sanand plant is expected to take a year to complete, the Nano, claim sources close to Tata Motors, would be made at Tata's Pantnagar and Pune plant to reach the market within the time interval announced earlier.

Hindustan Motors and Mitsubishi Motors, launched Mitsubishi Outlander SUV recently. Assembled at HM's Chennai plant, the Outlander is priced at Rs 20 lakhs (ex-showroom). A modern and stylish looking vehicle, the Outlander combines Mitusbihi's rally and sporting experience. It is powered by a 2.4 litre, 16 value MIVEC ( Mitsubishi Innovative Value Timing and Electronic Contols system) Petrol engine that does 170PS of power and 226 Nm of torque. Drive is through a electronically governed all-wheel drive system. 

A monocoque construction, the Outlander's interior has been designed for maximum ease of space and convenience. The remote folding rear seats can be tumbled from the tailgate when loading large items, at the touch of button. The vehicle can accommodate five occupants with relative ease. Its smart key enables locking or unlocking of the doors and tailgate, and turns on or off the ignition without inserting a key. The SUV also comes fitted with customized speaker and 650 Watts Rockford Fosgate Music System. 

Other features include dual stage front and co-passenger air bags, automatic climate controls a/c, reverse parking sensors, cruise controls, multi information display system, security alarm, power and heat seat engine immobilizer and over a dozen big and small storage spaces.