India Gunship HAL LCH Light Combat Helicopter - First Flight

HAL has performed the maiden flight of its indigenously designed & developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). The first Technology Demonstrator (TD-1) of the LCH flew the 20 minute flight from HAL's Helicopter Complex, Bangalore on 29th March 2010.  This flight provided an opportunity to carry out low speed, low altitude checks on the various systems on-board. The crew reported that the performance of the helicopter and systems was satisfactory. 

Derived from the HAL Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), the new helicopter is a dedicated for attack missions, and, as such, is equipped with an enhanced weapon system, mission systems and crashworthy landing gear. The airframe is also enhanced with low-observable characteristics, primarily regarding the thermal signature. Design and development of the new platform continued at HAL in the last three years. The program is now entering the flight testing phase, expected to lead to initial operation clearance by December 2011, towards induction into Indian Armed Services.
The twin-engine LCH is a 5.5 ton class gunship, designed with an armored, tandem cockpit, equipped with advanced glass cockpit, helmet-mounted targeting systems and full day and night operational capability. The helicopter is powered by two Shakti engines, developing 900 kW (1200 hp) each, Developing a maximum air speed of 275 km/h. This engine was  jointly developed by HAL and Turbomeca of France.
The armament suite comprises a combination of free-flight 60/68mm rockets, Mistral air-to-air missile, a nose mounted 20mm cannon from Nexter and a variety of air-to-ground ordnance including anti-tank/multi-purpose missiles, high explosive fragmentation bombs and anti-radiation missiles. It will be fitted with the Saab Aviatronics electronic counter-measures (ECM) suite for self defense.
Relying on its air-to-air and precision guided missiles ordnance, the new helicopter is slated for a variety of combat and combat support missions including anti-helicopter and anti-UAV air defense, Destruction of Enemy Air Defense (DEAD), and escort and support for Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO), as well as counter insurgency operations. The helicopter will be integrated with both Indian Army and Air Force units. HAL plans to sell at least 150 LCHs to the military services in India.
To support operations in high mountainous areas, the LCH is designed to take off, fully equipped from an altitude of 10,000 feet, and operate its weapons up to 16,300 feet. It will also be able to engage targets like UAVs that are flying at altitudes of up to 21,300 feet. 

Source:Link 

HAL Light Combat Helicopter

The HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is a combat helicopter being developed in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for use by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. Source:Link

KTM X BOW Clubsport

KTM is celebrating the first anniversary of its X-BOW range at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show with the unveiling of an entire array of new vehicles and technologies. The year old X-Bow range will debut at the show no less than than five different models: X-BOW Street, X-BOW Clubsport, X-BOW GT4, X-BOW Superlight and X-BOW ROC.The philosophy of KTM is embodied by the entry-level racecar named “Clubsport”. Particularly when it comes to safety, it is in no way inferior, thanks to the FIA crash test-approved monocoque, but at the same time it is also street-homologated: It therefore bridges the gap between unforgettable zigzags on tight country roads and the thrilling track day battle against the clock.Carbon fibre racing monocoque with crash box made from visible carbon fibre

- Audi 2.0 TFSI engine with direct fuel injection- Mechanical limited-slip differential

- Racing underbody and rear diffuser in aluminium composite and carbon fibre front splitter

- Performance suspension with adjustable rebound and compression damping and preload adjuster- Adjustable pushrods and anti-roll bars front and rear- Lateral crash guards and steel rollover bar- Six-point safety harness, racing head supports, steel towing eyes

- Main power kill switch, hand-held fire extinguisher and dry battery- Individually adjustable pedals- Adjustable and removable multi-function steering wheel.

Koenigsegg Agera 2011

Koenigsegg Agera is the latest supercar from Koenigsegg. Agera will be manufactured in paraller to the Award winning CCX and CCXR models. Some performance specs for petrol version:Power output: 910 hp at 6850 rpm-redline @ 7250 rpm.Torque: over 1000 nm from 2860 to 6170 rpm.Max Torque: 1100 nm at 5100 rpm.Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 3.1 seconds.0-200 km/h 8.9 sec, 0-200-0 km/h 13.7 sec.Top Speed: 390+ km/h (245+ mph) (estimated).Braking distance: 30.5m (100-0 km/h).Lateral G-force: 1.6 G.

Koenigsegg is celebrating 15 year of outstanding performance by unleashing their latest creation - The Agera.Koenigsegg celebrate 15 years of making dream cars, by unleashing their latest jewel – the Koenigsegg Agera. A new supercar aimed to take the Koenigsegg experience to the next level, both on the road and the track.Agera, the Swedish verb “to act”, has been chosen as the name for Koenigsegg´s latest super creation, as it symbolizes the Koenigsegg philosophy well. Koenigsegg is always striving forward, seeking challenges beyond limitations. The new supercar Agera is an outcome of that creative process and its functions respond very well to the given name.When we believe in something, we do it. We act. The car also has to act, when commanded to unleash its performance, forcefully and flawlessly. The development of the Agera has been evolutionary, following the Koenigsegg tradition of continuous improvements, by honing and perfecting the end result, all based on previous experience and innovative mindsets. The focus when developing the Agera was to maximize, driving experience, cornering speed, braking and adaptability, says Christian von Koenigsegg.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Adidas

 Every year Golf GTI fans gather in Reifnitz at Wörthersee for five days of Mardi Gras in May to talk, shop, showcase and dirve the GTI! Its been a tradition by Volkswagen to unveil new GTI variations at this GTI-Meet event. This year is no different. Debuting as world premieres this year are Golf GTI adidas – an exclusive model whose sales will launch in June – and the Golf GTI Excessive, a concept car implemented in a stylistically refined motorsport look.Golf GTI adidas: Customised Golf GTI launches in JuneGolf GTI Excessive: Concept adds precise motorsport look for series productionFlashback: Golf GTI 1 and Golf Citi Mk1 as tributes to their origins.Wolfsburg/Reifnitz, May 2010. There are automobiles, and then there are automotive icons – classics with a glorious past and an exciting future.

The Golf GTI is such an icon. Over 1.7 million have been sold since the car’s debut in 1976. In just the sixth year after the launch of the Golf GTI, its community of fans had grown so large that it sought a common platform, or to put it simply an event, to talk shop, showcase and drive the GTI. That is how the GTI-Meet in Reifnitz at Wörthersee came into being in 1982. Since then, fans have been meeting in the Austrian state of Kärnten for five days of Mardi Gras in May. It is already time to meet again. One of the traditional highlights: unveiling of the new GTI variations. Debuting as world premieres this year are the Golf GTIadidas – an exclusive model whose sales will launch in June – and the Golf GTI Excessive, a concept car implemented in a stylistically refined motorsport look.The new Golf GTI adidas and the GTI concept car will be accompanied by two GTI classics: the first generation Golf GTI (1976) and the Golf Citi Mk1 − a last edition, limited to 1,000 units, of the first generation Golf whose production has just been phased out in South Africa. Volkswagen Classic is bringing these two icons to Wörthersee. Its motto: GTI history
meets GTI present and future.

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche 911 GT2 RS – Most Powerful, Street Legal Porsche Ever Ultimate 911 extracts 620 ultra-efficient, twin-turbocharged horsepower from 3.6 liters; Provides best-in-class power-to-weight ratio and increased fuel economy.Lap time: seven minutes, 18 seconds on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.The power: 620 hp.The weight: 3,020 lb (1,370 kilograms) in road trim with all fluids on board.The car: the new 2011 Porsche 911 GT2 RS.The latest 911 is the fastest and most powerful road-going sports car ever built in the history of Porsche. With horsepower (hp) up by 90 and weight down by 154 lbs (70 kilograms) in comparison with the previous 911 GT2, the new 911 GT2 RS has a power to-weight ratio of just 4.9 lbs (2.21 kg) per horsepower, by far the best power/weight ratio in its class. These are the ideal ingredients for an ultra-high-performance sports car with supreme agility and truly blistering performance on the road. Perfectly illustrating Porsche Intelligent Performance, the 2011 GT2 RS achieves a reduction of approximately 5 percent for both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions when compared with the previous 911 GT2.

Volkswagen Phaeton 2011

Volkswagen Phaeton 2011 was unveiled for the first time at China Auto Show in Beijing. The Phaeton will be available with a choice of two wheelbase options, two back seat versions (three seats /two individual seats) and four engines (a turbo diesel and three petrol engines). Powered by the turbo charged common rail direct injection 176 kW/240 PS engine, the Phaeton V6 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds and has a top speed of 237 km/h.The Phaeton will be available with a choice of two wheelbase options, two back seat versions (three seats /two individual seats) and four engines (a turbo diesel and three petrol engines). The six, eight and twelve-cylinder engines range in capacity from 176 kW /240 PS to 331 kW/450 PS. The standard drive unit used in the Phaeton is a V6 petrol engine producing 206 kW /280 PS. At the capacities above the V6 FSI the choices available are a V8 and a W12 petrol engine, delivering 246 kW/335 PS and 331 kW /450 PS respectively. On the diesel front Volkswagen is offering an extremely frugal and smooth-running V6 TDI. In Europe it is the most frequently selected engine for this car. The turbo charged common rail direct injection engine delivers 176 kW/240 PS and accelerates the Phaeton V6 (top speed in this case 237 km/h) from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.6 seconds. This is accompanied by average fuel consumption that has now been reduced still further to
just 8.5 litres per 100 km (equating to 224 g/km CO2).

Brabus Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series

Brabus tunes the most powerful production Mercedes, the SL65 AMG Black Series, and makes it even more powerful! Brabus mods have bumped the power output to 800 HP, enhanced the sprint time from 0 to 200km/h (124mph) in just 9.8 seconds and maxed the top speed to 320 km/h (206mph). Moreover, the Brabus upholstery shop will create a special sporty and luxurious interior to customers’ exact specifications, down to the last detail. Check out the exotic car pictures after the jump.With 800 hp / 588 kW, a Top Speed of More Than 330 km/hand a Highly Exclusive Interior.Is it possible to make the most powerful production Mercedes of all time, the SL 65 AMG Black Series, even more powerful, faster, more spectacular and exclusive? BRABUS can! Equipped with T65 RS tuning the high-performance model delivers even more power and becomes even more elite. T65 RS tuning bumps power output to 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW. With it the two-seater accelerates from rest to 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 9.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of more than 330 km/h (206 mph). In the upholstery shop at BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax + 49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com) the interior can be clad in a sporty yet elegant combination of the finest leather and Alcantara, giving it an even more striking ambiance. Further BRABUS options are special paintjobs such as the matte black shown here or the customization to customers‘ individual specifications that’ll make it a true BRABUS one-off with custom-designed personalized logos on the illuminated scuff plates and the speedometer.

Chevrolet Captiva LTZ 2011

Chevrolet Captiva LTZ 2011 features 18" alloys, 7" Satellite Navigation unit, privacy glass, reclining flat-folding rear passenger seat, ABS, ESC, traction control, unique rear light clusters and a 4-star crash rating. Overall, a nice packaged common consumer SUV.

The camera operates through the 7-inch satellite navigation unit display screen. This uses simple touch screen technology to allow fast and safe access to the many features of the unit, which range from Points of Interest to a postcode search facility. USB and SD card inputs provide additional sources for music and video clips.Both manual and automatic options are powered by the 150PS 2.0 litre VCDi diesel engine. Combined fuel economy figures are 38.2 mpg for the manual and 32.8 mpg for the automatic. The manual emits 197 g/km of CO2 and the automatic 225 g/km. A manual Captiva LTZ with no options would attract a 31% BIK rate for tax year 10/11, which for a 40% tax payer represents £3,326.Keith Jones, Chevrolet National Fleet Sales Manager, believes that the new Captiva LTZ represents exceptional value for money to fleet operators and is a worthy consideration for today’s demanding User Chooser driver.“This is a high quality SUV that matches more premium marques on specification, comfort, ride and handling. The initial surge in demand suggests that we have absolutely the right product offer and that Captiva LTZ is a car that fleet managers and company car drivers want to see on their choice lists from which to choose.”

Mini Countryman Preview

Mini Countryman is the fourth variant of the Mini family. The MINI Countryman crossover aims to bridge the gap between classic MINI concept and a contemporary SUV. The MINI Countryman will be available with three petrol and two diesel engines at launch.With the addition of the MINI Countryman as the fourth variant in its model family, MINI is taking the inimitable MINI feeling into a new dimension. The MINI Countryman crossover bridges the gap between the classic MINI concept and a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle. Its broader range of abilities in both urban use and beyond paves the way for larger and evolving target groups with a greater need for space and flexibility to experience the driving fun that comes with a MINI. The brand’s first model to feature four doors and a wide-opening tailgate, the Countryman offers more space – which can be used in a wide variety of ways – to go with its raised seating position and optimised ride comfort. Plus, the “go-kart” feeling for which MINI is a byword has been preserved and takes on a new dimension with the optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. The MINI Countryman expresses the defining virtues of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and the scope for customisation – and does so in an absorbingly individual way.

Hamann BMW Series 5 GT

Hamann Motorsport has given the BMW 5-Series GT a significantly more dynamic appearance and turned the crossover between a comfortably spacious SUV and an elegant limousine into one of the most exclusive multi-purpose vehicles in the luxury class. As a renowned specialist of exquisite modifications for BMW automobiles, Hamann is offering powerful performance improvements, noteworthy sportiness when it comes to engine components and an aerodynamics programme with exciting styling for the Gran Turismo in the 5-Series.The Hamann motor specialists have developed a powerful performance gain from 245 PS (180 kW) to 275 PS (202 kW) for the 5-Series GT 530d. The torque, an even more important factor when it comes to driving pleasure, simultaneously increases from 540 Nm to an impressive 620 Nm at 1750 rpm. Thanks to Hamann Motorsport, the 5-Series Gran Turismo 530d, whose performance is enhanced due to optimisation of the engine characteristics by means of reprogramming of the series Motronic, boasts 20 Nm more torque than the standard 535d, and that for only a fraction of the surcharge actually due.

Befitting its image, the modified Gran Turismo boasts gigantic 22-inch tyres: The elegantly styled Hamann alloy wheel Anniversary Evo has been specially developed for the requirements of heavyweight, truly massive vehicles. In line with Hamann's philosophy on modifications, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and the use of special aluminium alloy ensure maximum load capacities at low weight. Hamann Anniversary Evo designer wheels for the BMW 5-Series GT are available in the sizes 9.0 x 22 for the front and 10.5 x 22 for the back. Wide-base tyres are fitted front (265/30ZR22) and back (295/25ZR22).

JE Design Seat Leon Cupra R

JE Design tunes the Seat Leon Cupra R and makes the car stronger than ever with the performance package. The tuned Cupra R with 2.0L TFSI engine outputs 330 hp with a max torque of 420 Nm and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds with a max speed of 268 km/h. The entire performance kit will cost you about  6,200 Euros but individual options are available as well. Full details after the jump.Seat brings more emotion to the roads. The Cupra R is the strongest Leon. JE DESIGN bestows the Spaniard with even more fire. With enhanced performance, an aggressive aerodynamics kit and flaming red colours, the refined Cupra R stands out from its serial counterparts. Also the enhanced suspension, the light alloy wheels and the interior demonstrate the fiercer re-modification by JE DESIGN.

The two-litre TFSI engine renders nearly one quarter more performance after the JE DESIGN engineers from Leingarten, Germany have finished their work. Instead of 265 hp (195 kW), the Cupra R now reaches 330 hp (243 kW). The maximum torque is increased from 350 to 420 Newton metres. Therefore, the Seat reaches the 100-kph limit in already 5.8 seconds instead of the former 6.2 seconds. The acceleration ends at 268 kph, while the serial model achieves its top speed at 250 km/h.

2010 Acura ZDX

The 2010 Acura ZDX will join the coupe-like crossover later this year. Staying true to the Acura ZDX prototype model that debuted at the 2009 New York Auto Show in April, the production ZDX will feature the key design highlights of a panoramic glass roof, hidden rear door handles and bold fender flares.Along with head-turning styling, the ZDX will boast outstanding performance from its 3.7-liter V-6 engine mated to an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission. The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 all-aluminum engine will generate 300 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque for immediate acceleration response, outstanding low- and mid-range torque and superior high-rpm power. The 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters gives the ZDX excellent acceleration while also enhancing fuel economy.