Ajith-Vishnuvardhan project to start soon!

Here is some great news for all 'Thala' fans and those who love to watch don flicks. There is some confirmed news going around K-town that Ajith will star in his 52nd film will be directed by his good friend Vishnuvardhan, post 'Billa 2'!

Vishnu is currently awaiting the release of his current Telugu project titled 'Panjaa' which sees Pawan Kalyan playing the lead. While there were a lot of rumors floating around regarding which film Ajith will choose to work in next, Vishnuvardhan has confirmed with a message on his microblogging page that he will work with 'Thala' once his Telugu film 'Panjaa' releases.

This Vishnuvardhan-Ajith venture will be produced by AM Ratnam. This film too will see Ajith playing a don and it will be the remake of Vishnu's Telugu Panjaa, say some reports but we can't be sure of this.

After completing his 'Panjaa' remake, 'Thala' will begin work on his 53rd film which will be for Vijaya Productions with director Shiva calling the shots.

Venkat Prabhu: I am overwhelmed, working on buddy cop genre

It's a super success for Venkat Prabhu today, his 'Mankatha' has seen a successful 100 day run at the box office.
 
'Mankatha' also marks the 50th film of Thala Ajith and the expectations were sky rocketing on this film even as it went on floors and the weightage on Venkat Prabhu was high from day 1 but he has satisfied Thala fans and movie goers with this movie and has managed to deliver a sleekly packed entertainer.
 
Speaking to IG, Venkat Prabhu says, "I am very, very happy that the film is still running in many suburbs. I am only happier that I was able to live up to the expectations from Thala fans, in fact we didn't have too much ads or any promo activity, but the film turned out to be a promo for itself, wishes are still pouring in from Thala fans".
 
In fact, all his four offerings, 'Chennai 28', 'Saroja', 'Goa' and now 'Mankatha' have seen a 100 day run at the BO!
 
So what was the reaction from Thala? "He messaged and wished me and I also sent him wishes via a SMS, since he is in Georgia for Billa 2 shoot. After he comes back we'll meet him".
 
On his next project Venkat says, "I have signed a bilingual with Studio Green, I am still penning the script. After penning the script I will narrate it to Suriya who is currently busy with Maatraan. It's a double hero project. It will be a buddy cop film loaded with action and comedy". He will narrate it to Ravi Teja as well after penning the script.
 
Buddy cop films are usually plots where two men of different preferences are forced to work together to solve a crime case. Popular examples are 'Bad Boys' and 'Rush Hour'.
 
After delivering a super action entertainer with Thala, it looks like Venkat Prabhu wants to do something even more different with his next venture...

Android 4.0 update to come in April 2012

Another major manufacturer to confirm the update is Sony Ericsson, which in a reply to 'The Inquirer' said: "Sony Ericsson is currently rolling out the upgrade to Android Gingerbread 2.3.4 across its entire 2011 Xperia smartphone portfolio. This software upgrade will be available through a phased roll out in select markets. Beyond Gingerbread 2.3.4, we plan to upgrade our 2011 Xperia smartphone portfolio to the next Android platform made available to us."

The recently announced Google Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) will be available only after six months from now on, according to reports. However, the first device with the new OS will be the Samsung Nexus Prime which will hit the markets as soon as December this year.

While Android 4.0, which is designed for both smartphones and tablets, will bring several new features including better NFC support, voice recognition, and ability to take screenshots.

As reports point out, the updates will arrive by 2nd quarter (beginning April) of 2012 and it is again going to be Samsung devices which will get these updates first. The official word from Samsung is that the six devices to get the update first will be Galaxy S II, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Tab 7.0 Plus, Galaxy Tab 7.7, Galaxy Tab 8.9 and Galaxy Tab 10.1 and all of these devices except Galaxy Note (which is coming to India on 2nd November) are already available in India.

Samsung has also said that since it had been working closely with Google on ICS, they expected to beat competitors to the market with upgrades for existing devices.

Meanwhile other operators have already confirmed through official channels that they will be updating their top of the line devices launched in 2011 to Android 4.0 but non (except Acer) have confirmed a date. Amongst Motorola devices, Xoom will probably be the first to get this update.

Asus has also confirmed it through their Facebook page, saying, "Google recently announced the latest update for Android, Ice Cream Sandwich, which brings some exciting new features and capabilities. At ASUS, we pride ourselves on delivering a great experience with our products, thanks to frequent updates that further enhance our products' capabilities. We're delighted to confirm support for Ice Cream Sandwich on the ASUS Eee Pad Family — our aim is to bring the latest Android update to the Eee Pad Series, but at this time we are unable to set a date for its release. Please stay tuned for more news on our Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade plans."

Tablet-online.pl received a statement from Acer Poland indicating that Ice Cream Sandwich will hit the Acer Iconia Tab A100/A101 and the A500/A501 sometime in mid-January (that is when Consumer electronics show happens).

However, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 users will be disappointed to know that their device will not be updated any further than the Android 2.3.

HTC has also publicly announced the plans for the updates, but it is expected to be late to the party as their phones are heavily modified version of Android and therefore will take more time to include their Sense user interface into the new updates. It will be a more uphill task since some of the features that were available only through Sense UI are now part of Android 4.0 by default.

Our expectation is that all the manufacturers who have modified skin (user interface) on top of Android will take slightly more time to update their existing handsets. Second, only high end 2011 models are going to get the updates. Third, new device will get the first priority in getting Android 4.0, updates will be done later (as it happened in the case of Android 2.3). And in all likelihood you will have to wait till April to get Ice Cream treat for your Smartphone.

Ajith denies rumours

The bond between Ajith and filmmaker Vishnuvardhan is common knowledge. Ever since the duo joined hands for the blockbuster movie Billa, the two have shared a close rapport.

Though Vishnu was unable to do the prequel Billa 2 due to his prior Tollywood commitments, they still catch up whenever they find the time. The latest reports doing the rounds are about Ajith dubbing for Tollywood star Pawan Kalyan in the Tamil-dubbed version of

Vishnu’s coming Telugu flick Panja. The movie, which is set to hit cinema halls in December, also features Sarah Jane Dias, (who was one of the three heroines in Vishal’s Theeradha Vilayattu Pillai) and Anjali Lavanya as the female leads.

Buzz is that when Vishnu approached Ajith and asked him to dub for Pawan, the latter immediately agreed.

However, when Ajith, who is shooting in Goa for Billa 2 was contacted by DC, he denied the reports. “It’s news to me! These are baseless rumours,” the Mankatha star said.

Mahindra XUV500

Prices and Review

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USER OPINION: MAHINDRA XUV500

POPULARITY

• This week:17,654 views
• All time:5,34,849 views

ON ROAD PRICE

Rs. 11,70,000 - Rs. 15,00,000
* Mumbai. May vary.

MAHINDRA XUV500 VARIANTS

Compare

• DXUV500 W6 4x2
  2179cc, mhawk140
  Rs. 11,70,000
• DXUV500 W8 4x2
  2179cc, mhawk140
  Rs. 12,85,000
• DXUV500 W8 4x4
  2179cc, mhawk140
  Rs. 13,78,000
• DXUV500 Twin-Turbo
  2179cc, Twin-Turbo
  Rs. 14,50,000
• DXUV500 Automatic
  2179cc, mhawk140
  Rs. 15,00,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY Name: XUV500 Model: W6 4x2 Car Body Type: SUV Segment: D Segment Fuel Consumption: Highway 15.10 kmpl. Fuel Consumption: City 11.00 kmpl. Warranty: 0 ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS Displacement: 2179cc, mhawk140 Engine Type: Diesel Maximum Power: 140 Bhp @ 3750 rpm Maximum Torque: 330 Nm @ 1600 rpm DIMENSIONS Length: 4585 mm Width: 1890 mm Height: 1785 mm OTHER SPECIFICATIONS Seating Capacity: 7 Tyre Size: P235/65 R17 Suspension: McPherson type - Multilink type Turning Circle: 5.60 mtrs. Steering: Tilt Brakes: Front Disk, Rear Disk Gears: 6 Manual Fuel Tank: 70.00 Body Color Bumpers: Tachometer: Alloys: ORVM Indicator: Xenon Headlamps: Trip Meter: 2 Headlamp Washer:

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Airbag:	2
Parking Sensors:
Fog Lamp:
Traction Control:
EBD:
ABS:
ESP:
Rear Seat Belts:	5
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
AC:	AC with Climate Control
Power Windows:
Central Locking:	Remote
Remote Boot:
Remote Fuel Filler:
Rear Wiper:
Rear Defogger:
Rear Armrest:	With Cup Holder
Streeing Adjustment (Rake/Reach):	/
Driver Seat Adjustment:	Electric
Music System:	6" touch-screen info display
Leather Seats:
Door Mirror:	Both Side Electric
Tinted Glass:
Rear AC Vent:
Folding Rear Seats:
Sun Roof:
Buttons/Controls on Steering:
Auto Viper:
Auto Headlamp:

Maxabout Review

Watch out Fortuner, Captiva and Endeavour

Friday, October 15, 2010

Mahindra XUV500

  

Overview of Mahindra XUV500

Mahindra and Mahindra has shaked the D-segment SUV market with the launch of its all New World SUV which was been codenamed as 'World SUV W201'. Mahindra has announced the official name for their new SUV, it will be sold as XUV500. The Mahindra XUV500 has been developed from scratch and only one thing is common in Scorpio and XUV500 - the mHawk diesel engine (which has also been fine-tuned to develop 140 bhp of maximum power and 330 nm of maximum torque). XUV500 has been in talks from last one year, now the time has come and Mahindra has finally launched the XUV500. Mahindra has priced thebase model of XUV500 very competitively at Rs. 10.80 lakhs only (Ex-showroom New Delhi). Produced in Mahindra's Rs 2500 crore plant at Chakan, the total investment behind the project has been Rs 650 crore. XUV500 has been tested over 2.35 mn kms, with over 250 prototypes being built. The company expects to sell 2000 units of the XUV500 every month. Conceptualized with the aim of creating an altogether new category between the Scorpio and high end SUVs, the XUV500 is the next generation SUV targeted at Generation X, where the double O connotes the added Oomph value in the product.

Mahindra & Mahindra has managed to book 8000+ XUV500s since its launch, the company has stopped accepting bookings, they are booked for next 4 months.

Variants of Mahindra XUV500

- Mahindra XUV500 W6 4x2
- Mahindra XUV500 W8 4x2
- Mahindra XUV500 W8 4x4

Mahindra XUV is available in three variants: W6 4x2, W8 4x2 and W8 4x4 (all-wheel drive). The base variant W6 comes has following comfort, styling and safety featurs:

- Static bending projector head lamps with LED parking lights
- 6-inch monochrome infotainment display, Glass embedded antenna
- Integrated music system with CD/MP3, iPod & USB connectivity
- 4-Door speakers with 2 tweeters on dashboard
- DIS in-built in infotainment system, Intellipark
- Smart rain sensing wipers, Intelligent light sensing headlamps
- Digital immobiliser, Digital trip & tachometer, Disc brakes on all wheels
- Dual airbags (Driver + Passenger), ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Side impact beams, Crumple zones for crash protection, Tubeless tyres
- Full wheel caps, Racing-styled twin exhaust, Front and rear fog lamps
- Chrome Scuff plate for 1st and 2nd row, Streamlined Roof-rails, Cladding strips
- Sporty dual tone interiors, Cubic-printed centre console with metal accents, Twin pod cluster with 3D-dials
- Tilt power steering, Fully automatic temperature control (FATC) & dual HVAC
- Premium fabric seats, Power-foldable and adjustable ORVMs
- Centre arm rest with cup holders in 2nd row, Height adjustable seat belts (front row)
- 8-way adjustable seats including height and lum, bar adjust (driver's side)
- Cruise, audio, phone controls & voice command switches on steering
- Power windows with driver side express down, Remote tail gate opening
- Flip key with remote central locking, Storage spaces on centre console
- Reading lamps in all 3 rows, Conversation mirror, Tinted solar-reflecting glass
- Mobile charging points, Rear washer, wiper and de-fogger
- Follow-me home headlamps, Lead-me-to vehicle lamps, Illuminated key rings
- Puddle lamps, Entry assist lamp, Door ajar lamps, Camping lamp
- Remote fuel lid opener (electrically operated), Glove box with laptop holder
- Flexi seat configuration for convenient storage (60:40 fold 2nd row, 50:50 3rd Row)
- Flat fold 2nd and 3rd row seats, Umbrella holder

In addition to the above-mentioned features, the W8 and W8 AWD variant comes with following styling, comfort and safety features:

- Leather upholstery, 6-inch colour touch screen infotainment display, DVD player
- GPS Navigation with touch-screen and audio support, Tyre-tronics
- Side & curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with rollover mitigation
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent control, Alloy wheels, Telescopic steering

Fast Facts About Mahindra XUV500

- Base model (W6) is priced at Rs. 10.80 lakhs (Ex-showroom New Delhi)
- Top model (W8 AWD) is priced at Rs. 12.88 lakhs (Ex-showroom New Delhi)
- Powered by mHawk 2.2 litre diesel engine
- Maximum power is 140 bhp at 3750 rpm and torque is 330 nm at 1600 rpm
- ARAI certified mileage of XUV500 is 15.1 kmpl
- Is available in seven shades: Satin White, Volcano Black, Amazon Green, Moondust Silver, Tuscan Red, Opulant Purple, Dolphin Grey
- XUV500 will be manufactured at Chakan plant
- Will be exported to other countries in South East Asia, Western Europe and Africa beginning with South Africa
- Features six-speed manual transmission
- Available in both 2 wheel-drive and 4 wheel-drive
- Will compete with the likes of Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour, Renault Koleos and Toyota Fortuner
- Features ABS, EBD, Traction control, Hill decent control and 6 airbags
- Large touch-screen display for GPS navigation system and music system

Price of Mahindra XUV500

- Mahindra XUV500 W6 2WD - 10.80 lakhs
- Mahindra XUV500 W8 2WD - 11.95 lakhs
- Mahindra XUV500 W8 AWD - 12.88 lakhs

Mahindra & Mahindra has revealed the prices of XUV500, the W6 variant is priced at Rs. 10.80 lakhs, W8 variant is priced at Rs. 11.95 lakhs and W8 AWD variant is priced at Rs. 12.88 lakhs, which is very competitive and less than the expected prices! It is for sure that will all these comfort and safety features it will be a runaway success because other SUVs in this segment are priced around Rs. 15-20 lakhs. The main rivals of Mahindra XUV500 are Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour and recently launched Hyundai Santa Fe.

Engine and Transmission of Mahindra XUV500

- mHawk 2.2 litre transverse diesel engine
- Generates maximum power of 140 Bhp at 3750 rpm
- Generates maximum torque of 330 Nm at 1600 rpm
- XUV500 features a Monocoque chassis
- 6-speed manual gearbox
- ARAI certified mileage of XUV500 is 15.1 kmpl

Mahindra XUV500 is powered by the same 2.2 litre diesel engine which is doing duty under the hood of Mahindra Scorpio but it has been fine-tuned to generate maximum power of 140 Bhp at 3750 rpm and maximum torque of 330 Nm at 1600 rpm. Mahindra XUV 500 features a six-speed manual gearbox. The ARAI certified mileage of XUV500 is 15.1 kmpl which is decent considering the size and weight of the sports utility vehicle. XUV500 is available in both 2 wheel-drive and 4 wheel-drive versions. Mahindra is also planning to launch a twin-turbo variant of XUV500, which is expected to generate maximum power of 170 bhp with maximum torque of 400 nm.

Design & Styling of Mahindra XUV500

- Developed on all-new platform and has nothing to do with Scorpio
- Day time running LED lights looks very cool with orange turn indicators
- Clear lens projector double barrel head lights, tail lamps and fog lights
- Turn indicators integrated into ouside rear-view mirrors
- Puddle lights integrated into ouside rear-view mirrors
- 17 inch alloy wheels looks very good and give macho look to the SUV

As far as looks are concerned Mahindra's XUV500 looks huge with jeepish front grille which is dominated by Mahindra's logo in centre. But the mesh-type look in-between the front bumper and behind front grille looks cheap and doesn't give upmarket and premium look to the SUV. But one thing is very good and commendable that Mahindra has managed to develop a really wide and huge SUV. The headlights, tail lights and fog lights features clear lens for bright and clear view. The huge wheel arcs of XUV500 gives it macho and rugged look which is further enhanced by huge 17 inch alloy wheels. At the rear it doesn't feature rear tail gate mounted spare wheel, the spare wheel has been positioned under the body of Mahindra XUV500. Designed entirely in-house at M&M’s world class research and development facility the Mahindra Research Valley at Chennai, the XUV500 is also the country’s first indigenously developed monocoque SUV with the first transverse engine offering from Mahindra. The XUV 500 features day-time running LEDs like we have seen in many cars and SUVs by Mercedes and Audi. It was expected that XUV 500 would be the most handsome SUV in its class and will compete with the likes of Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour, Renault Koleos and Toyota Fortuner. But in my opinion XUV500 has nothing very unique in terms of design and styling. It seems to be a mixed bag and we have seen this type of styling before. Only two things are unique and eye-catching, the design of door handles and huge wheel arches. The rear has diamond shaped extruded thing in centre which again looks very chinese-type styling and awkward. The side view of XUV500 is the best and it gives a huge and clean look to the sports utility vehicle. XUV500’s large tailgate opens upwards and reveals large loading area with the rear row of seats folded flat.

Interiors and Comfort Features of Mahindra XUV500

- Power steering, Power windows, Remote central locking/Keyless entry system
- Climate control system, very unique design for AC vents
- Dash integrated music system, AUX, Bluetooth and USB support
- 8-way adjustment for driver's seat, Electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs
- Global positioning system, AC vents for rear passengers, DVD player
- Dual-tone theme for upholstery, dashboard and central console

Mahindra XUV500 is the most spacious and feature-rich sports utility vehicle in its segment. It features modern looking twin-pod instrument cluster, very stylish central console and all-new interesting design for the AC vents. The top-model of XUV500 will feature Remote central locking/Keyless entry system, climate control system, Cruise, audio, phone controls & voice command switches on steering, 6-inch colour touch screen infotainment display, AUX, Bluetooth and USB support, Flip key with remote central locking , 8-way adjustment for driver's seat, Electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs, Centre arm rest with cup holders in 2nd row, Global positioning system, AC vents for rear passengers, Dual-tone theme for upholstery and dashboard, rear wiper/washer, Mobile charging points, height adjustable driver's seat and many cubby holes plus bottle/glass holders. The steering wheel of XUV500 has controls for the music system and Mahindra has designed it very well, the bottom has silver matte finish and rest of the part is leather clad. The design of central console is very good with integrated music system, controls for the automatic climate control system and integrated global positioning system.

Safety Features of Mahindra XUV500

- Front and rear disc brakes, 6 SRS airbags: front, side and curtain
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
- EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), Hill decent control
- Reverse parking sensors/Reverse guide system, Cruise control and Traction control

XUV500 is the safest Mahindra with host of safety features like Front and rear disc brakes, 6 SRS airbags: front, side and curtain, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), Reverse parking sensors/Reverse guide system and Cruise control plus Traction control.

Shades Available in Mahindra XUV500

- Satin White
- Volcano Black
- Amazon Green
- Moondust Silver
- Tuscan Red
- Opulant Purple
- Dolphin Grey

Mahindra XUV500 is available in seven shades: Satin White, Volcano Black, Amazon Green, Moondust Silver, Tuscan Red, Opulant Purple and Dolphin Grey.