Sponsored feature: FP Diesel: Trusted Technology

Earlier this year saw the birth of a start-up that leveraged the joint strengths of three giants
 – Tenneco, Federal-Mogul and Öhlins Racing. DRiV Incorporated, headquartered in the Greater Chicago area, will be one of the largest global multi-line, multi-brand aftermarket suppliers and one of the largest global original equipment (OE), ride performance and braking suppliers to aftermarket, light-vehicle, and commercial-vehicle customers. The $6+ billion company has a massive global footprint, including 64 manufacturing facilities worldwide, as well as 29 engineering and technical facilities. DRiV® has a stable of enduring aftermarket brands and long-time partnerships with the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers. These include Monroe®, Goetze®, Ferodo®, Champion®, Öhlins®, Moog®, Wagner®, Thrush®, Axios® and FP Diesel®, among several others. In this issue, we take a look at the FP Diesel® brand’s rich heritage and product range.

PROVEN TECHNOLOGIES FOR COMMERCIAL ENGINES

With FP Diesel® you get a complete offering of premium, leading-edge technologies engineered in each replacement engine and sealing component and designed to thrive in demanding work environments. From cutting-edge metallurgy on the inside to specialised coatings on the outside, FP Diesel® components are infused with advanced technologies. The award-winning engineering concepts behind these parts deliver problem-solving benefits that you can trust.

Our latest innovations address service issues in new and old engine platforms – further proof that when you choose FP Diesel® you get premium-quality parts along with the technology that engines need for extended durability and to perform like new.

TRUSTED TECHNOLOGIES

FP Diesel® develops and tests each new engine repair solution at our global network of research facilities, addressing the replacement challenges encountered in rebuilding engines and, in many cases, improving on original materials and designs. With FP Diesel®, you get repair solutions in the form of trusted technologies engineered to address the unique demands and operating environments of each engine after thousands of hours of operation.

AGRICULTURE Nothing works harder than agricultural equipment. So, when you need to service an agricultural engine used in the field, install equally hardworking components: FP Diesel®.

ON HIGHWAY Maximising your equipment investment means finding the best replacement components. That’s why OTR and commercial fleets choose FP Diesel® engine components.

MARINE From workboat applications to on-board generator sets and pumps, FP Diesel® engine components are ideally suited to extended life in the marine environment.

OFF HIGHWAY FP Diesel® parts are precision-engineered to meet even the most demanding specifications. They’re designed and tested to withstand brutal operating environments. They have proven to perform no matter where they go.

From design to installation, FP Diesel® components bring proven technologies to every commercial engine. This commitment to leading-edge technology is evident in every single FP Diesel® engine and sealing component, where having the right replacement part means more than simply matching the product’s dimensional characteristics.

TOP ENGINE EXPERT

For excellent top engine components that support engine performance and meet original equipment (OE) manufacturer standards, AE® has the answer. Since its inception over 50 years ago, AE® has developed the widest range of engine components available from any single source. The AE® Engine Solution product line include pistons, piston rings, bearings, valves, camtrains and ancillary products, belts and timing kits.

In India, FP Diesel® offers a full range of in-frame engine kits, cylinder kits and a full line of individual parts. For indigenous range of heavy-duty equipment, replacement parts are also available under AE® brand. Our components and kits help fleets of all sizes rebuild their hardest-working engines. When you buy an FP Diesel® part, you benefit from our expertise as a trusted supplier to some of the World’s leading vehicle, equipment and engine manufacturers.

• Engineered to original specifications
• Maximum Value – minimum downtime
• Suppliers to global leading engineering industries

FP DIESEL HISTORY

2015 - Renewed focus on growth and development

Renewed focus on growth and range development begins with the launch of European engine nameplate coverage that will build on existing coverage by industry-leading brands Goetze, Glyco, Nural and AE.

2014 - FP Diesel® established as a global brand

FP Diesel® is established as a global brand under single general management in Federal Mogul Motorparts Sealing and Engine global headquarters.

2011 - 25,000 SKU Mark

FP Diesel® portfolio reaches the 25,000 SKU mark.

2009 - Introduced market-leading technology

FP Diesel® introduces market-leading ML7 gasket technology.

2007 - Portfolio expansion

FP Diesel® expands full range of Caterpillar®, Cummins®, Detroit Diesel®, John Deere® and Navistar® portfolio.

2005 - Engineering team established

An FP Diesel® full-range engineering team and laboratory is established in Skokie, IL (US).

2000 - Acquisition of Nural

Federal-Mogul acquires European piston-maker Nural and adds the Nural brand to the engine repair parts portfolio.

1997 - Acquisition of Fel-Pro

Federal-Mogul acquires Fel-Pro and builds on the FP Diesel® brand.

1995 - Consolidation and growth

Added additional product range with Meridian Parts, Korody-Coyler acquisitions. Added John Deere line and expanded distribution footprint.

1993 - FP Diesel® brand launched

1990 - Product line expansion

Added Caterpillar and Cummins engine parts.

1989 - Acquisition of Phillips Gasket & Berrick Industries

Expanded into Caterpillar gaskets, Detroit Diesel engine parts.

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Sponsored feature: Celebrating 10 years of the Toyota Fortuner

You’ve heard the saying, it’s lonely at the top. But we beg to differ. Being at the top – literally or figuratively – provides time for contemplation, to survey the lay of the land, and see how far one has come and how much farther one has to go. We are on one such journey right now, to Kufri and beyond that to Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh – places that have all the right ingredients to create such moments of clarity. And it is fitting that the car we are in is a Toyota Fortuner. Since its launch 10 years ago, the Fortuner has set the benchmark for SUVs in its segment and, not surprisingly, it has become one the most soughtafter and admired cars in India.

Making a splash in the Giri River, near Renukaji.

Driving up from Chandigarh, early in the morning towards Kufri in brilliant sunlight, it is clear why the Fortuner appeals to individuals and families alike. The SUV rides nice and high, the interiors exude quality, and the engine – in our car’s case, the 2.8-litre diesel – feels like it can get the car to eat through continents. And that is what it is doing right now – consuming the NH7 kilometre by kilometre, and getting us closer to the quaint town of Renukaji.

 

The roads around Renukaji are a driver’s delight, so we switch to Power mode, get pedal to meet metal, and enjoy the punch and throttle response that the refined motor delivers. If you ever find yourself en route Chandigarh from Auli, we’d recommend you spend some time at Renukaji and take in the endearing charm of  the village where most places and establishments – from hotels to a lake – are named after its patron deity. As the road winds further up, we also reconfirm our earlier observation about the Fortuner being an agile customer; a car that feels pretty light on its feet and more willing to change direction than most SUVs.  At the back, our companions are relaxed. The seats offer great shoulder, back and thigh support and the bolstering is especially good. The tall backrest in the second row deserves a special mention, and is among the reasons why the Fortuner is so good on long journeys. The Fortuner’s on-road behavior has been impressive and its supple suspension has been able to dismiss several bad patches that have appeared ever so often on the road to Kufri.

The Fortuner can swallow continents and keep going.

Now, in 2WD, the Fortuner is a capable car, but what happens if we activate its 4x4 capabilities? That’s what we did en route Kufri, as we safely moved off the highway towards a barren, rocky outcrop, homed in on a steepish incline and engaged L4 (or 4x4 Low). The next half an hour we spent in the Fortuner served to reinforce the view we have always had regarding it: should you ever have to take it to places that you normally wouldn’t, you’d find that this Toyota is an accomplished off-roader as well. The Fortuner is equipped with a lot of off-road firepower such as Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Hill Assist Control (HAC) and its equally capable sibling Downhill Assist Control (DAC). A-TRC delivers extra traction to prevent wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces, while the HAC and DAC (as the names imply) assist the driver to tame steep slopes and relentlessly go up inclines.

 

Our off-roading jaunt means we drive into Kufri later than expected. It is evening, and a magical one. Golden sunlight bounces off the peaks, there is a chill in the air, and town’s market is bustling. Kufri is famous as a skiing destination, but there are other delights too. The little village of Fagu, a quick drive away from Kufri, is one of them. Located off the Hindustan-Tibet Road, it features fruit gardens and is surrounded by cedar and spruce – just perfect for a spot of contemplation. Then, there is the view of the Mahasu Peak and other mountains nearby, which is the ideal salve for stressed souls. However, if you have a car as formidable as the Fortuner, you go further up from Kufri, to Narkanda.

The Toyota Fortuner is an accomplished off-roader; switching modes is easy with the electronic 4x4.

Narkanda is a lot less touristy compared to Shimla, and the banks of the Tanu Jubbar Lake  is an ideal place to while away time. But the best thing about Narkanda is the view it affords of the Pir Panjal range. One drives up to a good vantage point and surveys the scene; and there they are, majestic mountains all. Up there, unconquered, impregnable. Just like the Toyota Fortuner. 

Also see:

Benefits of up to Rs 70,000 available on Toyota Fortuner, Innova Crysta, Glanza

Toyota Vellfire India launch confirmed for early 2020

Toyota Etios, Etios Liva to be discontinued by April 2020

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Review: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB review, test drive

What is it?

This is Mercedes' latest addition to its SUV line-up, which now totals eight models. As its name suggests, the GLB slots into the range between the GLA and GLC. So far, so straightforward. As the ‘B’ part of its name suggests, however, this can be considered as a sort of rough and tumble version of the B-Class, meaning there’s more than a touch of MPV to this SUV.

How much? Well, the GLB is a seven-seater. And unlike it’s GLC and GLE big brothers, but like the smaller GLA, this latest addition is available in both two and four-wheel drive guises.

 

Externally the GLB looks a little like a shrunken GLS, which means it’s an upright and boxy presence on the road. You’ll have to make your own mind up about the looks, but from angles it’s slightly ungainly, while from others there’s more than a hint of Citroen C5 Aircross.

Underpinning the GLB is essentially the same MFA2 platform as the A-class, although it’s been stretched and pulled to accommodate those extra seats. The familiar architecture means a similar line-up of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, up to and including the 305hp 2.0-litre from the A35. However, it’s the entry-level, front-wheel drive GLB 200 petrol we sample here, its 163hp 1.3-litre turbocharged four pot developed jointly with Nissan and Renault.
 

What’s it like on the inside?

Inside matters improve markedly, the GLB getting the same slickly laid out wall-to-wall TFT infotainment and instrument cluster that debuted in the A-class a year or so back. That means it features the MBUX operating system that adds the handy ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control, while new to the GLB is the ability to use the system to pay directly for parking or download extra features, such as Apple CarPlay.

 

Overall the interior is a high quality affair that rivals anything on offer from BMW and Audi. In fact, with its neat trio of eyeball air vents, metal finished air conditioning controls and three-spoke multi-function steering wheel you could be inside an A-class, raised driving position aside. That and the use of surprisingly low grade plastics in the lower half of the cabin.

 

It’s fairly spacious, however, even if the third row of seats are really only of use for very young children or occasional adult use - with the sliding second row in its rearmost setting there’s virtually no legroom behind. Speaking of space, boot capacity shrinks from a handy 570-litres with third row stowed (they fold into the floor in one easy movement), to virtually nothing with the chairs raised.
 

What’s it like to drive?

Given our test GLB 200’s 1.3-litre unit’s small size and the Merc’s not inconsiderable 1,555kg kerb weight, performance is actually fairly brisk. Peak torque of 250Nm available at just 1,620rpm, plus the nicely insulated engine will happily rev to 6,000rpm. Response is further boosted by the 7-speed DCT twin-clutch transmission that slots home its ratios quickly and smoothly.

 

In many ways it’s this unit that’s best suited to the GLB, its level of performance well matched to the car’s easy-going dynamics that are geared towards everyday comfort rather than cornering crispness.

All GLBs get strut front suspension and a multi-link rear axle, while our car further benefited from optional adaptive dampers that, on our smoothly surfaced Spanish test route at least, served up welcome plushness over bumps - this is a quiet and comfortable way to get about. And while it’s not exactly a thrill a minute in the twisty bits, there’s enough composure and grip to allow you to maintain a decent lick.

 

The steering is mute but progressive, while the body control is actually rather good despite the lean when pushing on. And with some load going through the suspension you can feel both axles sharing the cornering forces, helping to minimise the natural tendency to understeer. It’s not an exciting car to drive and feels a little loose and heavy at the limit, but for such a tall and hefty machine it feels feels more agile than it has any right to be.

Although not relevant to the GLB 200, which is front-wheel drive only, a quick go in the 4MATIC all-wheel drive equipped 220d proved the GLB is fairly handy off the beaten track. On a testing gravel off road course complete with severe up and down hills the Merc never looked likely to get stuck, it’s trick traction control keeping it moving.

 

Should I buy one?

The Mercedes GLB sure makes for an interesting package. It’s not too large yet comes with the handy option of seven seats. And while not a driver’s car, it makes an impression for its comfort and refinement, and of course that beautifully done cabin. 

The thing is, the GLB still is on the cards for India, though Mercedes hasn’t green lighted the model for our market as yet. There’s lots of potential in the GLB and Mercedes would sure do well to bring it in sooner rather than later. Rs 40 lakh for a seven seat Mercedes, sounds like a good deal, right?

JAMES DISDALE

Also see:

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Production-spec MG ZS EV showcased at NuGen Mobility Summit

MG Motor India is all set to introduce its second product in the domestic market – and its first electric SUV – the ZS EV. The company will showcase the model to the Indian media and general public on December 5, 2019. However, the company displayed the vehicle at the ongoing NuGen Mobility Summit 2019 held in Manesar, conducted by The International Center of Automotive Technology (ICAT). The conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH); and Shipping Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Nitin Gadkari.

 Coming back to the ZS EV, the electric SUV is likely to come with a 150hp electric motor that will draw power from a 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery. In this spec, the e-SUV has a range of 335km on the older NEDC test cycle and 262km on the newer WLTP test cycle. Charging time is expected to be around 7hr for full charge via a 7kW AC charger; while it will take 40min to charge from 0-80 percent with a 50kW DC fast charger.

 The ZS EV will be assembled in India to keep pricing competitive. Pricing for the MG ZS EV will hover around Rs 22 lakh mark (ex-showroom). It will see key rivalry from the likes of the Hyundai Kona EV that is priced at Rs 25.3 lakh in India. The ZS EV will be initially sold only in five cities – namely Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.

Also see:

MG partners with Exicom to recycle ZS EV batteries

MG gears up for ZS EV launch by adding charging stations

MG ZS EV to be available via self-drive rentals from January 2020

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Next-gen Mahindra XUV500 interiors seen for the first time

Mahindra has already begun work on the next-gen XUV500 SUV that will launch in the market sometime in 2020. While its arrival is still some time away, the model has been undergoing rigorous testing on Indian roads and has been spotted doing so once again. New spy shots that have surfaced on the internet reveal the new XUV500’s interior for the first time.

Just like its exteriors, the new XUV500 seems to be based on a clean-sheet design on the inside too. While the dashboard is yet to be seen completely uncovered, there are quite a few details that are still visible, giving us a hint of what to expect from the next-gen XUV500’s interior.

First up, the steering wheel seems to have an all-new design with a flat bottom – something not seen on any Mahindra product in India so far. The dashboard clearly seems to be split into three sections: there is a large instrument cluster area that will most-likely feature a TFT panel with digital gauges (at least for the higher variants); the centre area of the dashboard seems to contain a large horizontal slot for the infotainment system (the unit could be in the region of 9 inches or more); and two horizontal and simple looking AC vents are placed right below the infotainment screen. Below those are what look like controls for HVAC and other features. The XUV500 will come with a seven-seat cabin and there are talks of a key focus being on more cabin room, especially in the second and third row.

Earlier spy shots have confirmed that the new XUV500’s design will be an evolution of the outgoing model, with a more upright nose and a wide Mahindra family grille; there’ll be slightly smaller headlamps too. It will also get Mahindra’s signature vertically-placed daytime running lamps that first made their debut on the XUV300. The new XUV500 has the typical crossover-esque look when viewed from the side – while it’s got a fresh design for the front fender, the window line looks similar to the pervious-gen model, save for a pronounced kink on the rear door that is reminiscent of the detailing seen on the XUV300, the larger Alturas G4 and some SsangYong SUVs. The next-gen Scorpio is expected to sport a similar design detail as well.

The new SUV will not get the ‘cheetah claw’ door handles though, which are a unique touch on the current model. The second-gen XUV500 will feature flush-fitting door handles instead, which will still be unique its price band. Apart from enhancing its looks, these door handles are also expected to help improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics in general. However, it remains to be seen to what extent it helps Mahindra's next-gen SUV.

The new XUV500 will be sold with a more powerful 180hp version of the current model’s 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The unit will be compliant to Bharat Stage 6 emission norms. A less powerful version of this same engine (140hp/320Nm) will see duty on the next-gen Scorpio and Thar. The engine will feature a DPF (diesel particulate filter) and a SCR (selective catalytic reduction), which will help it comply with the stringent BS6 norms. Gearbox choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic – just like the outgoing model.

Key rivals for the all-new Mahindra XUV500 will include the likes of the next-gen Hyundai Creta, the Tata Gravitas (a fellow seven-seat SUV), Kia’s Seltos and MG’s Hector. In the near future, there will be more entrants to the segment like the Volkswagen T-Cross and the Skoda Kamiq.

Additionally, there will be Ford’s version of the XUV500 set to arrive as well – it will share most of its underpinnings, interior bits with the Mahindra, but will come with a unique exterior design and sportier driving dynamics. 

Also see:

Ford Mustang facelift India launch by second half of 2020

All-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV revealed

 

SOURCE

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Toyota signs Ogier as part of all-new 2020 WRC line-up

After several weeks of speculation, Toyota Gazoo Racing has confirmed that Sebastien Ogier will be racing for the team for the 2020 World Rally Championship (WRC). The announcement comes fresh on the heels of the six-time World Rally Champion confirming that he had decided to leave Citroen after racing for the team for a year – a move that Citroen has since cited as a catalyst to its own decision to quit the WRC with immediate effect.

Ogier will be driving for Toyota as part of a one-year deal and it is largely understood that this will be his final campaign before he retires from the WRC. The French driver also confirmed that he was in talks with Toyota as early as in 2016, when the manufacturer returned to the championship after a 17-year absence.

“I’m definitely very excited to be joining this team. It’s another new challenge for me and I’m looking forward to it. We already discussed it at the end of 2016, and although we didn’t manage to make it happen at that time, I’m now overwhelmed to start working with such an iconic brand as Toyota as well as my childhood idol Tommi Mäkinen (Team Principal, Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team). The plan is to aim for some success together and to try to win back the world championship,” Ogier said.

Ogier isn’t the only new signing at Toyota; in fact, the manufacturer will be fielding an all-new line-up next year. The other two drivers confirmed to be driving for the team are Elfyn Evans, who will switch to the team after driving for M-Sport for his entire WRC career, and rookie Kalle Rovanperä, who won the WRC 2 Pro title this season. Both drivers have signed two-year contracts with the team. The new line-up replaces 2019 champion Ott Tänak, who has signed with Hyundai, along with Jari-Matti Latvala and Kris Meeke.

Commenting on Toyota’s new WRC driver line-up, Team Principal Tommi Mäkinen believes the team has the right balance of experience and raw potential. “I’m really pleased with the driver line-up we have been able to put together for next season. I believe it provides us with a great balance in our team as we target more championship trophies next year and in the future. We know how strong Sébastien is and we’re all looking forward to working with him and Julien. I think that being able to attract a driver with his record says a lot about what we have achieved in such a short space of time with this team. Elfyn is a driver I have been watching for some time. We’ve seen that he can have the speed to win on almost any surface, but he can also be very clever when needed and score good points. I’ve known Kalle since he was very young and it’s always been clear that he has something special,” he said.

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Mini John Cooper Works GP revealed at 2019 LA auto show

Mini has revealed its fastest road-going model yet, the John Cooper Works GP, at the 2019 Los Angeles auto show. Limited to just 3,000 units globally, the GP features a number of mechanical and cosmetic changes to make it lighter and faster than the standard three-door John Cooper Works (JCW).

Starting with the engine, the 2.0-litre turbo petrol now develops 306hp and 450Nm – significantly exceeding the output of the same unit in the 231hp/320Nm JCW model. The GP is capable of sprinting from 0-100kph in a claimed 5.2sec and has a top speed of 264kph.

Most of the GP’s extra power comes from the new turbocharger. The motor’s compression ratio is reduced to cope with the extra boost pressure, and a new intake duct and new multi-hole injectors (with up to 350bar of pressure) also feature, as does a GP-specific oil sump.

A new exhaust system is said to bring sound effects 'inspired by motor racing'. Also taken from the firm’s racing expertise is a newly developed cooling system.

Power is sent to the front wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. A mechanical differential lock helps channel the healthy power output smoothly.

Externally, the most notable additions are a giant roof spoiler with double-wing contours, a new front apron design and special wheel-arch extender panels made of lightweight carbonfibre-reinforced plastic and dubbed ‘spats’ by Mini engineers.

The material for the spats is recycled from the production process of the i3 and i8 of Mini parent company BMW. With an exposed matte finish, the front arch panels each feature the car’s specific build number. The body itself is available exclusively in metallic grey, with silver and red details.

The GP’s body structure is said to be “extremely rigid”, with new supports, members and strut braces. The suspension was developed from extensive Nürburgring testing. The track widths are increased and the body is lowered by 10mm over the standard JCW, while a host of new parts and extra front camber reduce roll and improve grip.

The dynamic stability control setup has a GP-specific mode that relaxes the system’s intervention. The new sports braking system (in conjunction with lightweight forged wheels) features four-piston front callipers for greater stability and braking power.

Inside, the John Cooper Works GP gets just two seats. Combined with less acoustic insulation, the shedding of its rear seats contributes to a reduced, 1,255kg kerb weight – 85kg lighter than the normal JCW. New 3D-printed honeycomb metal shift paddles feature, and 3D printing has also been used for the passenger dashboard panel, where the car’s build number is displayed.

Despite the pared-back approach, the GP can still be equipped with sat-nav, wireless charging and heated front seats. It also gets the digital instrument cluster from the Mini Electric as standard.

Mini marked its 60th anniversary this year along with rolling out its 10 millionth car from its plant in Oxford UK. For the Indian market, the company has had a relatively quiet year which saw the introduction of the above mentioned 231hp JCW model and a limited-run Black Edition iteration of the Countryman. Mini could bring the JCW GP to India but expect numbers to be very limited and the price to be higher than the standard JCW.

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