2010 MotoGP season buzz

With half the MotoGP 2009 season already underway, its that time of the year now when the interesting buzz about the 2010 rider-shifts starts erupting. The first bit came in the form of the brave rumor indicating FIAT Yamaha rider Jorge Lorenzo's shift to the Repsol Honda factory team for 2010. But that seems to be over now, with Lorenzo most likely continuing alongside Valentino Rossi - making sure he has atleast the same (if not better) equipment levels as Rossi to continue their battle for supremacy.

The second bit of news comes in the form of Bautista's confirmed seat for the Rizla Suzuki team. The 250cc championship contender will take advantage of the fact that Suzuki have received a dispensation from the rookie rule which usually forces new entrants to sign with satellite teams. This will earn him a factory seat - something that he has been desiring for quite some time now. Since his current partners, Aspar, are trying in vain to convince him to join their MotoGP operations, it seems that their two bikes would find the reins under Tony Elias and Hector Barbera!

Tony Elias' Gresini seat on the other hand will be filled 250cc category's racing wonder Marco Simonchelli. His team mate will be none other than Macro Melandri - who will make a comeback to the Gresini team after having spent the last two years at Ducati and Kawasaki respectively. In spite of losing factory support this year, the Italian rider has proved his worth in almost each and every race he has participated in, and hence, looks forward to a successful comeback with the San Carlo Gresini outfit.

Stay tuned to the Motoroids Blog as we bring you more exciting news from around the paddock. For other interesting news, reviews and features, download the absolutely free Motoroids2 e-magazine for www.motoroids.com now!

Image Credits: MotoGP Press

Transformers bikes to be auctioned

Los Angeles will feature the auction of the choppers featured in the latest Transformers movie. The bikes will go under the hammer this weekend. The machines featured alongside the Hollywood siren Megan Fox are prominently featured in the movie.

One of these bikes, built by Big Bear Choppers of California, is expected to be valued between 75,000 and 300,000 dollars. Auction ends Saturday 3.00am UK time and one can bid online.

VW Beetle set for India debut

Volkswagen India is all set to launch their iconic Beetle in the country in around three months time. The Volkswagen Beetle enjoys the distinction of being longest running and mass produced car of a single design in the world’s history.

The car will be imported through the CBU route from VW’s Mexican plant. Owing to the 110% import duty, the iconic car is likely to retail for around 20 lakhs. The Volkswagen Beetle is currently undergoing testing in the country.

The Beetle will powered by a 1.9 litre TDI engine mated to a 5-speed gearbox. It will also come fully equipped with features like ABS, traction control, front and side airbags, parking sensors, rain sensors and cruise control.

Venom GT to be faster than the Bugatti Veyron?

The debut supercar from any low-volume ultra-exclusive supercar maker (read Ascari, Koenigsegg, Pagani) is preceded by claims to beat the best 0-100 acceleration and top-speed figures. Following the trend, American tuning firm Hennessey, better known for tinkering with Cadillacs, Corvettes and Dodges is now planning a supercar, to be introduced at the next Geneva Motor Show.

The mid-engined two-seater, christened the Venom GT will be powered by a V8 dishing out a claimed 1,200bhp. Hennessey claim that the new car with so much power and a kerb-weight of less than 1100 Kg will take no more than 2.4 seconds to hit the 100kph mark from a standstill and should be good for a top speed of 272mph.

Those figures could easily shame a Veyron, but as you would assume, its easier said than done. Hennessey have made some real tall claims, let's see whether they manage to live up to them.

Ferrari 458 Italia Ringtones

There is hardly any petrolhead who is not fascinated by the sound of a roaring V8 with the Ferrari emblem on it! For all such enthusiasts, here are a few sounds clips of the new Italian steed, the F458 Italia. Available in MP3 and iPhone formats:

1. Off The Mark:


2. Acceleration:


3. Overtaking Maneuver:


4. On The Track:


5. On Board:

Tata eyeing Pininfarina?

The economic downturn is in the process of claiming famed Italian design house and coachbuilder Pininfarina as its latest victim. The automobile design marque is currently owned by parent company Pincar. Pininfarina’s 50.7% stake is up for grabs and Pincar has already hired a bank to help find potential buyers.

According to unconfirmed reports, Pincar is not willing to let go of its complete stake. It is also being reported that the sale of its majority stake in Pininfarina is an outcome of a debt agreement with banks towards the end of 2008.

One name that is currently doing the rounds as a potential buyer is Tata Motors. Pininfarina had earlier designed the Tata Indica and the lately the Prima concept car. Tata Motors which is on a brand acquisition spree, has already bought Jaguar and Land Rover and it is likely that the Italian design marque may also be in its kitty.

Pinninfarina has collaborated with various automobile manufacturers in the designing of cars. Some of its well know creations like the Ferrari California and 599 GTB, Alfa Romeo Spider, Maserati Grantourismo and Quattroporte, which are currently in production.

New Indica Vista Ignis variant with 1.4 petrol engine

Expected Launch: September 2009
Expected Price: 4.5 to 5.5 lakhs (On-Road)
The Indica Vista hasn't done as well as expected in the market thanks largely to customers not having faith in the Tata brand. So Tata has decided to give the Vista a new lease of life by plonking in Fiat's 1.4 litre petrol power-plant from the Grande Punto. The Vista currently comes with a 1.2 litre engine variant which is a tad underpowered for the car. It was introduced just to keep the car inside government's skewed excise cut parameters for cars with petrol engines smaller than 1.2 litres. The Ignis will be the only Indica variant which wont be eligible for the excise cut driving up its price.

The 1.4 litre engine is good for 90 bhp and 115 Nm of toque. Expect the price to slightly undercut the Swift petrol by 10-20,000 rupees. At that price the Vista will be a sensible alternative to the Swift thanks to better (much better) space and practicality, drivability and value. The engine being a Fiat unit, it will also be as reliable. The top-of the range Aura variant is loaded to gill with a 2-DIN stereo with bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted controls, electronically adjustable mirrors, chunky 175 section 14 inch tyres and last but not the least ABS and 2 airbags.