Auto Expo Delhi features as one of the most widely-anticipated trade show events in India. In its 11th edition, the bi-annual Delhi Auto Expo 2012 promises to be bigger than all previous shows with 50 vehicles, including 32 cars, planned for launch. With a strong overseas participation indicated, expect carmakers to go all guns blazing with their new offerings and concept showcases. There were a lot of ideas, innovations, plans and best of all, new concept cars were revealed at the incredible Auto Expo Delhi 2012.
Let’s start our little tour with the following attractive-loking cars:
Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster
The car is powered by the same engine found in the SLS Coupe – a 563bhp, 6.3-litre hand-assembled AMG unit. This gives the Roadster a limited top speed of 197mph and a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds, matching the performance stats of the hard top. The three-layer roof is clever too, as it can operate at speeds up to 30mph, takes 11 seconds to open and has a glass rear window. 
This is a luxury car and surely a candidate for one of the fastest and exclusive convertibles on sale, the SLS AMG Roadster will cost £180,000, not cheap but a dream come true.
Mercedes A Class Concept
The three-door Concept A-class has a profile dominated by two clear lines to enhance the coupe-like looks, and points towards a more conventional, sporting design compared to the ultra-practical A-class of the moment. 
On the inside, the design has been heavily influence by aircraft, with what Mercedes is calling a ‘modern flight panel’ centre console and vents that look like jet engines. The engine is a 208bhp 2.0-litre engine featuring the carmaker’s BlueEfficiency eco technology, but expect a wide variety of powerplants to be available when the new A-class is released. In keeping with the premium focus of the concept, the production car is expected to retail from around the £20k mark.
Mercedes ML 350 CDI
The interior is the usual smattering of Mercedes-Benz style and technology, but as we are, how things have been severely blunted in comparison with the current ML. 
In addition, the COMAND infotainment system for 2012 has been updated and now offers Internet access. it’ll be available in 3.5-litre diesel V6 ML350 CDI BlueEfficiency form tested here, as well as a somewhat less business friendly V8 ML63 AMG. Prices should start at around £45,000.
Now let’s have a little look at Renault.
Renault Pulse
Renault launched the Pulse diesel hatchback and it is available in two variants, the base variant RXL priced at Rs. 5.77 lakh and the top-end variant, RXZ priced at Rs. 6.25 lakh. It has angular headlamps, masculine sporty grille and redesigned bumper. The rear gets redesigned taillamps that looks attractive than that in the Micra. The Pulse should appeal to those who like a more aggressive front design than the Micra.
Renault Duster
It’s expected to be priced in the Rs 7-10 lakh range. Available in 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options, the Duster will be a sub 10-lakh-rupee soft-roader which can tackle a fair bit of rough terrain but not serious off-roading. There will be two diesel engines on offer, one with 90 horses, while the other one will be the more powerful 107 version. The Duster is based on the same platform as the Logan and the highlights of the car include impressive cabin space, good ride quality and respectable performance with solid build quality.
Renault Dezir
The stunning Renault DeZir electric sports car is the first of a series of six concept cars Renault will be revealing over the next two years. The vertically-mounted 24kWh lithium-ion battery is located behind the bench seat and provides the car with a range of around 100 miles. 
The basic motor is the same as the unit used for Renault’s production electric cars, although power has been uprated to 110kW. On the inside, Renault’s installed a bench instead of seats. These are finished in leather, backlit with red LEDs and promote an air of passion in the cockpit by allowing driver and passenger to get closer together.
Bajaj RE60
The four-wheeler will have a 200cc, water-cooled, fuel-injected DTSi engine that will put out roughly 20 PS of power but the light kerb weight of just 400 kgs gives the vehicle a power to weight ratio similar to A-segment cars in India. The engine is mounted at the rear of the four-wheeler and as a result boot space is limited to 44 litres. The RE60 is designed to seat four passengers including the driver. That’s two upfront and two at the back. This will be an ultra-low cost car.
Ssangyong XIV-1 Concept
The new concept goes by the name Concept XIV-1 and it’s a preview of the new design language SsangYong will be applying to its future models. Inspiration comes from the side view of a graceful sailing yacht, which instantly suggests outdoor activity and enjoyment. The wide C-pillar and slim roof seem to be float above the body. The XIV-1 Concept illustrates the robust image of SsangYong vehicles, coupled with an appearance highlighting speed and power. An innovative interior design introduces new 1+1+2 or 1+3 seating layouts, highlighting the flexibility available from SsangYong’s latest platform technology. The spacious interior is also packed with the latest electronic wizardry.
DC Avanti
Revealed at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, the DC Design Avanti seems to carry styling influences from the Ferrari 458 Italia and even the most recent Lotus concepts. 
While its shape may be derivative of other cars, the new Avanti carries its own sense of style. While a V-6 variant with an expected 400 horsepower will come later, initial DC Design Avantis will be powered by a 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost engine, which is expected to produce around 265 horsepower. Both engines will be mated to a six-speed, dual clutch transmission. Pricing will start at Rs 30 lakh, which is roughly $56,000, and DC Design is in the process of setting up showrooms across India.
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
An interior that’s as fine-tuned as the drive itself. You’re in complete command and control, with features like deep-bolstered seats and the Driver Information Center. And Camaro is constantly being re-engineered and upgraded to optimize every minute of your driving experience. The 2012 Camaro interior has been refined even further, including revised instrument panel styling, a new steering wheel and revised gauge cluster graphics. A four-pack of auxiliary gauges—standard on 2LT and 2SS—includes oil pressure and transmission temperature.
Hard to believe, but the 2012 Camaro LFX V6 is lighter-weight and more powerful—323 horses more powerful with the same impressive fuel efficiency: 29 MPG highway5 on the 6-speed automatic transmission 2LS. It’s a fine sport car starting at $ 30,100.
Jaguar X-C75 Hybrid Concept
The Jaguar X-C75 premiered recently at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo to rave reviews.Underneath its downright gorgeous body, lies an extended-range electric supercar. It has four electric motors producing 195 horsepower for each wheel. In addition, it has two micro-gas turbines that charge the batteries. Jaguar claims it has a top speed of 205 mph and has a projected combined range of 560 miles. In the looks department alone, the car captures the spirit of Jaguar’s past with its sculpted lines and powerful stance. Inspired by classic Jaguars such as the D-Type and XJ13 racers, the X-C75 is also representative of how future supercars may be powered. Along with the new Audi E-Tron, Jaguar is experimenting with new methods of powering cars using sustainable energy technology.
Jaguar X-C16 Concept
The Jaguar C-X16 concept is another intriguing statement of Jaguar’s intentions. The latest iteration of Jaguar’s ethos is based around a prototype supercharged all-alloy V6 engine, which produces 380hp from 3.0-litres. 
Supplementing this is an electric motor, which is equivalent to an extra 95hp to the driver at the push of a steering-wheel boost button. An eight-speed gearbox and lightweight aluminium chassis allows the C-X16 to sprint to 62mph in just 4.4 seconds and reach 186mph. All this while returning an unbelievable 41mpg and just 165g/km of CO2 emissions. X-C16 also contains steering wheel boost button. X-C16 is equipped with an eight speed gearbox and light weight aluminum chassis allows. X-C16 gives Sporty Appearance since the body is been wrapped by aluminum closely to the chassis and by pushing the wheels into the corners as fas as possible.
Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 is a premium SUV in a compact-class form. It is sporty, efficient and versatile , a vehicle that is equally comfortable on or off the road. Its progressive design is tightly integrated into the brand’s design language. Audi is known for bringing many ideas and innovations from its show cars to production vehicles. The Audi Q3 is being launched with a choice of three engines – one TDI and two TFSI units. All three four-cylinder engines combine direct injection with turbocharging, and will feature not only an energy recovery system but also a start-stop system. With power outputs ranging from 125 kW (170 hp) to 155 kW (211 hp), these engines are as efficient as they are powerful. Scheduled to appear somewhat later, the Q3 2.0 TDI with 103 kW (140 hp) and front-wheel drive will average less than 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (45.23 US mpg). The Q3 2.0 TDI with 103 kW (140 hp) has a base price in Germany of €29,900.
Audi A8 L Security
The Audi A8 L Security is rated at Class VR 7 on the Bullet Resistant Vehicle Scale, which means it can hold up to having ‘NATO hard-core ammunition’ fired at it. It’s also capable of withstanding a hand grenade explosion. All this protection comes from 450 hours of work that go into the armour protection. This includes installing bullet-proof glass (which in total weighs a whopping 300kg), an armoured floor and toughened doors. 
Under the hood lives a 6.3-liter W12 with 500 horsepower and 431 pound-feet of torque. That engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission that works in unison to get the big Audi A8 L Security up to 60 miles per hour in just seven seconds. This isn’t the first time that Audi has created a Security version of the A8 L. Back in 2007, the old A8 was given this sort of treatment and a price tag of $685,000. There has been word on the 2012 Audi A8 L Security’s price, but chances are it won’t be cheap, especially if it comes with Audi’s $6,000 sound system option.
Nissan Evalia MPV
The Evalia is a seven seater. Sliding doors and three forward facing seat rows with the first and last being individual seats. The features list will have power steering, reverse camera and an intelligent key amongst others. Powering the Evalia is a 1.5-litre DCI engine producing anything between 85 to 105PS. Nissan claims that the Evalia will have a ride and handling package similar to a car. This MPV will be built at Nissan’s Oragadam plant in Chennai towards the latter half of 2012. Pricing is yet to be declared for the Evalia.
Peugeot 508
Peugeot 508 is a large family car, which the company based on demand could also import before local assembling begins in India. The 508 comes with the regular comfort features – head-up display, four-zone airconditioning, handsfree access and start up. It also has a surprisingly large boot – 545 litres in the Saloon and 660 in the SW. The car comes with e-HDi and Hybrid4 technologies and banks on its pedigree. The 508 will have engines that will have an output of 112 to 204 bhp and will come with the e-HDi system that will be highly environmentally friendly, according to the company. The pricing start for Peugeot 508 is £20000.
Hyundai Sonata
The new 2012 Sonata appeals to the eye with a completely new styled body that is clean of any complex details. It boats off a much larger passenger cabin, highly powerful four cylinders with a V-6 on board along with several other features that make it attractive as one of the authoritative vehicles in the class of automobiles manufactured by the brand company. The Sonata carries a dramatic styling that is new, different and uncommon in various other cars. It features a “fluidic sculpture” theme with an added advantage of a more enthusiastic feel that pours out of riding and handling of the brand new car.
Hyundai Hexa Space Concept
In the Indian capital of New Delhi, the Hyundai Hexa Space MPV concept make its world premiere. The MPV concept is targeted to young urban families in emerging markets who require their vehicles to serve many roles. Hexa Space’s interior is completed with high-tech features, including a touch-screen center console, a push-button shifter and a cluster ionizer air purifier. Several storage spaces are tucked throughout. The study is powered by Hyundai’s Kappa 1.2-liter turbo GDI petrol engine, which is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Hexa Space also features sliding rear doors, which combined with the absence of a center column, create a wide-open entry on either side of the vehicle.
Suzuki XA Alpha Concept
Suzuki XA-Alpha is a compact-SUV concept. The concept looks like it is inspired more from the Land Rover Evoque than Indian wrestlers : the receding and floating roofline, the flared wheel-arches, the shape of the air-dams on the front bumper, the gills on the side. Based on the Suzuki Swift’s platform, the XA Alpha concept measures in at roughly 4.0 metres long (13 feet). That means it’s just small enough to qualify for the reduced tax rate in India which is given to smaller cars. The prototype vehicle took nine months to take from a simple design sketch, to a full-size concept. The production Suzuki XA Alpha will come with a choice of both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol engine is expected to be a 1.3 liter, while details on the diesel engine remains unknown.
Suzuki Ertiga MPV
The 3-row, 7-seater Ertiga marks the car maker’s entry into the utility vehicle segment. The dashboard, for instance, is a Swift clone. Other features on the Ertiga are a 3-spoke, tilt-adjustable electric steering with audio controls, power windows electrically adjustable mirrors, central locking and keyless entry, twin AC, USB-compatible audio system and multi-information display. The Ertiga will come in both petrol and diesel specs, an all-new 1.4-litre K14 VVT petrol mill and a 1.3-litre DDiS super turbo diesel engine that also powers the Maruti Suzuki SX4 diesel. The petrol Ertiga develops 95PS of power and 130Nm of torque while the diesel powerplant puts out 90PS and 200Nm of torque. Fuel efficiency is a claimed 16.02 kmpl and 20.77 kmpl for the petrol and diesel variants respectively. Prices will be announced at the time of launch in April 2012.
TATA Safari Storme
Tata Motors have just launched the all-new Tata Safari Storme at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. The next-generation Safari, which was earlier codenamed Merlin comes with exterior and interior updates. There is a new front grille, new projector headlamps and a ‘power bulge’ on the bonnet, new chrome-tipped twin exhausts, aerodynamic spoilers, fresh roof rails and a spare tyre placed under the vehicle. The interiors wear beige seats matched with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, chromed highlights gear know, wood accented dashboard and door trims, a new instrument cluster and chrom-lined speaker grills. 
The new Safari Storme is powered by a 2.2-litre 16-valve common rail (DiCOR) engine that produces 140PS of power and 320Nm of torque and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Electronic shift-on-the-fly (ESOF) enables shifting from 2WD to 4WD.
TATA Pixel Concept Car
Pixel is a three door gull-winged small car, which has the same dimension as the famed Nano. But the Tata Pixel has much larger space inside compared to the Nano and can comfortably accommodate four passengers. Tata had earlier declared that the Pixel would have 1.2 liter diesel engine with a mileage of 29kmpl and CO2 emission of 89grams/km. The Tata Pixel’s ability to manoeuvre and park in the tightest of spaces is made possible by its Zero Turn toroidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT), which assists rotation of the outer rear wheel forwards and the inner rear wheel backwards, while the front wheels turn at acute angles.
TATA Manza Hybrid
It is based on the existing Indigo Manza, but it was given a thorough redesign that prefigures what the next generation of the popular sedan will look like. The technical specifications released by Tata Motors are vague. What is certain is that the Manza Hybrid is powered by a 1.0 diesel engine backed up by a 45 kilowatt electric motor. It uses high-capacity lithium ion batteries, a technology already featured in electric concept cars built by Tata. Little else has been revealed about the price or potential debut date of the Manza Hybrid.
Skoda Fabia RS 2000
The Fabia RS 2000 Design Concept is based on the successful Fabia Super 2000 rally car, and focuses on dynamism and the joy of sporty driving. RS 2000 concept is a low roadster that can seat four passengers. The windows have been placed at an extra low height enabling the occupants of the car to get a view of 360 degree and also letting them feel the wind better. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine driving all four wheels, the Fabia RS 2000 has room for four inside and retains its rear side doors – proving that even when in ride-pimping mode the Czechs can’t quite leave Skoda’s sensible side behind. Inside there’s enough carbonfibre to satisfy a composites fetishist, accented with Skoda’s trademark green trim.
Toyota Camry
The 2012 Camry debuts a bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, improved driving dynamics and an even quieter ride than before. 
The Toyota Camry again offers three powertrain choices, all of which have been enhanced for 2012 to provide better fuel economy and more responsive performance. All Camry models with the revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine now offer 178 horsepower, an increase of nine hp, and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are 25 mpg city/35 highway, and the 28 mpg combined is two more than the previous generation Camry. The DOHC 3.5-liter V6, available in the SE and XLE grades, delivers 268 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 rpm. The pricing start is $22,000 for the 2.5-liter engine and $27,000 for the 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Volkswagen Beetle
From the front, the 2012 looks very much like the “New Beetle” that was Volkswagen’s offering from 1998 on. Viewed from the side, the 2012 squares up the body design to make it more appealing to men, eliminates the bud vase and introduces a new look at the rear end as well as in the interior, especially with the upscale Turbo model. It is slightly longer and spacious than the previous model and comes in four engines ranging from 1.2-litre to a 2-litre turbocharged engine and a 1.6-litre turbo diesel. The top end 2.0-litre model will have around 200 horses to drive this more sportier looking Beetle around town. The base model starts at $20,100 and the line climbs from there.
Volkswagen XL1 Concept
The Volkswagen star of the 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo was definitely the XL1 hybrid concept car, which shared the same space with the new Touareg and Beetle. According to the German based automaker, the VW XL1 is the most efficient concept car in the world and it’s coming with a 0.8 liter displacement generating a maximum power of 48 PS. 
The XL1 is similar in size to the popular Polo hatchback and it has the capacity to deliver an impressive fuel efficiency of 111 km/L.
Maserati Kubang Concept
Maserati’s take on the premium sport utility vehicle, and the Italian automaker promises it heralds the coming of a new product line. Maserati Kubang SUV in an 8-speed automatic transmission and specific performance parameters, such as suspensions, brakes, steering is exclusively for Maserati Modena sports luxury SUV will be developed for the Product Development department Maserati. These engines are 425kW Ferrari with the new 4.5-liter V8 from the Ferrari 458 launch, but maybe not there, with a suggestion that the more powerful 456kW/608Nm 6.0-liter V12 engine from the Ferrari 599 could under the hood the new SUV will appear, so that the Kubang the super sports car of SUVs. Maserati is expected to stick to the upper end of the luxury SUV market and is unlikely to try to match the V6-powered Cayenne entry-level models that, in Australia, start at $107,700.
And now we end our little tour with the presentation of the new BMW M5. The 2012 BMW M5 gets a number of subtle styling elements that give it a more purposeful appearance than its lesser-powered siblings, without going to the visual extremes of some four-door performance-car rivals. 
BMW has simplified the driving settings, giving you three for steering, shifting, suspension, and traction control. Steering, shifting, and suspension settings range from normal (S1) to Sport (S2) to Sport Plus (S3), while traction is either normal, M Dynamic Mode (limited intervention), or everything off. The engine, a lightly modified version of the 90-degree S63 unit used in the BMW X5 and the X6 M, kicks out a sturdy 552 hp between 5,750 rpm and 7,000 rpm. Despite the move to forced induction, the new M5 can’t quite top the Cadillac CTS-V’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 and its 556 hp for outright firepower. Price starts at 102,700 euro for this beauty.
The 2012 BMW M5 is now world’s fastest sedan!
