The new Audi TT – an update for the design icon

Twenty years after the series premiere of the original TT, the third generation of the Audi TT is receiving a comprehensive update. The design icon takes the stage with a sporty and refined exterior design, higher-powered engines and an extended scope of standard equipment.

The first generation of the Audi TT made its series premiere in 1998. Three years before, Audi had already presented the TT as a concept car – a Coupé was shown at the IAA in Frankfurt and a Roadster was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show. Within a short time after the market launch, the TT Coupé had moved to the top of the segment.

The Audi TT stands for driving the pleasure, design and close attention to detail: aluminum elements in the driver-oriented interior, progressive rim design, a short, ball-shaped gear lever knob, characteristic tank flap and round, dual-branch tailpipes are among the typical features of this compact sports car. The design with its incisive geometric forms has fans all over the world.

Refined, enhanced, extended

Right on time for the 20th anniversary of the first Audi TT, the brand is especially highlighting the sports car character of the new model. Audi has accordingly refined the design of the new TT, enhanced its performance and extended the range of standard equipment. Besides the driver-oriented Audi virtual cockpit, the basic version of the new model now features the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, a rain and light sensor, heated exterior mirrors and the multifunction steering wheel plus, with which the infotainment and voice control system can be controlled entirely using the steering wheel. Also standard are the illuminated USB ports as well as Bluetooth for the wireless pairing of devices.

Sporty and expressive: the exterior design

More masculine, more progressive and even sportier than before – the exterior design of the new TT. The front features a three-dimensional Singleframe radiator grille. Large side air inlets emphasize width even in the basic version.

At the rear, horizontal lines again underscore the width of the new Audi TT. There is no cap underneath the tank flap with its classic TT design; the driver can insert the gas pump nozzle directly into the opening – a typical sports car feature. Headlights with LED or Matrix LED technology are optionally available. The dynamic turn signals are a visual highlight here.

The new designed, optional S line exterior package underscores the sporty character of the Audi TT even more. It includes a full-length front splitter, vertical air inlets, a radiator grille in titanium black and specific side sills with inserts as well as a sporty rear end. Added is a wider diffuser and vertical air inlets below the rear lights with three horizontal fins each.

The TT Coupé and the TT Roadster are each 4.19 meters (13.7 ft) in length. Both body variants have short overhangs; their wheelbase measures 2.51 meters (8.2 ft). The new TT leaves the factory on 17-inch wheels; Audi and Audi Sport optionally offer 18, 19 and 20-inch wheels. Three new colors complete the range of paint finishes: cosmos blue, pulse orange and turbo blue (S line only).

High-powered: the engines

For the new TT, Audi has a range of petrol engines in various performance levels, paired either with the six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. In both transmission variants, the close-ratio lower gears enable powerful acceleration, while the wide ratio of each transmission’s highest gear keeps the engine speed down. All new engines come with a gasoline particulate filter.

Effortlessly sporty: suspension and Quattro drive

The new Audi TT offers handling that is both dynamic and precise. If the customer chooses the S line sports package or Audi magnetic ride, the body is lowered by ten millimeters (0.4 in). Other chassis highlights include progressive steering, four-link rear suspension and Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC). The wheel-selective torque control activated in fast cornering and improves handling as required by means of precise brake interventions on the unloaded wheels on the inside of a curve.

Driver-oriented: the cockpit and the assistance systems

The sports car character is also underscored by the driver-oriented interior with its clear lines. The slender instrument panel resembles an aircraft wing; the round air vents with integrated controls allude to jet engines – a classic TT detail.

Sports seats with integrated head restraints are standard on the Audi TT. S sports seats (standard in the S line sports package) with pneumatically adjustable side bolsters are optionally available. The luggage compartment of the 2+2 seater affords 305 liters of space (10.8 cu ft) underneath the stretched tailgate, while the Roadster offers 280 liters (9.9 cu ft).

All indicators appear in digital form on the 12.3-inch display of the Audi virtual cockpit. The driver can choose between two modes: in the classic view, the speedometer and tachometer take center stage. In “Infotainment” mode, content such as the navigation ­map is enlarged. The new sports ­display is optionally available and provides information on the engine output currently in use, as well as the torque and g-forces.

The MMI terminal on the center console has just six keys. The top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus with MMI touch integrates a touchpad on the upper surface of the rotary/push-button control that recognizes handwritten input and allows zooming, for example. The voice control system understands formulations from everyday speech.

Audi connect brings various online services onboard via fast LTE. The Audi smartphone interface connects smartphones with the car and can stream content seamlessly to the Audi virtual cockpit via USB. The high-end solution when it comes to hi-fi systems is the Bang & Olufsen Sound System. Its amplifier offers 680 watts of performance and a total of 14 channels. It fills the interior using twelve speakers, including two center speakers and two bass boxes.

The driver assistance systems embody the TT philosophy: they relieve the driver of work so that he or she can fully concentrate on the road. The line-up extends from the lane change assist Audi side assist, the lane departure warning system Audi active lane assist and traffic sign recognition to the park assist with the display of the surroundings and a rearview camera.

Classic: TT Roadster with the soft top

Like every open-top Audi, the new TT Roadster comes with a soft top in either black or gray. The soft top has a taut fit, and its excellent sound insulation makes it an “acoustic top.” With a weight of 39 kilograms (86.0 lb), the top is very light and doesn’t compromise the luggage compartment. A standard feature, the electrical drive opens and closes the top in around ten seconds at vehicle speeds of up to 50 km/h (31.1 mph).

The new Audi TT will arrive at German dealers and become available in other European countries in the fourth quarter of 2018 – customers can already pre-order the model from late September. Prices for the TT Coupé start at around 35,000 euros. The TT Roadster is available from around 37,500 euros.

with thanks: Audi

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza continues to dominate SUV market; clocks fastest 3 lakh sales

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) today announced that its blockbuster SUV Vitara Brezza has crossed 3-lakh of sales since its launch in March 2016. A distinctive feat in the Indian automobile industry, Vitara Brezza has achieved the fastest 3-lakh sales mark in the SUV segment in just 28 months.

The contribution of the top variants in the total sales of Vitara Brezza has zoomed to 56%. This is a testimony to the fact that customers appreciated the refreshed design and innovative features in Vitara Brezza. The Auto Gear Shift has enticed the aspiration of ever-evolving customers. We would like to extend our heartiest gratitude to our Vitara Brezza customers and particularly those who have chosen to wait for their loved car.”In May 2018, Maruti Suzuki’s revolutionary two-pedal technology, Auto Gear Shift, was offered on Vitara Brezza. Also, the exterior and interior features have been given a makeover, enhancing the bold and sporty character of the country’s most popular SUV. With Vitara Brezza, Maruti Suzuki introduced dual-tone colours – a first in its segment.

Thanking customers for their overwhelming support for the Vitara Brezza, Mr R S Kalsi, Senior Executive Director (Marketing and Sales), Maruti Suzuki said: “Vitara Brezza is a breakthrough product, which created disruption in the SUV market. With its sporty and glamorous traits, Vitara Brezza continues to be the most loved SUV despite several new entrants into the segment.

Vitara Brezza complies with advanced safety regulations, including pedestrian safety, ahead of Government regulation timelines. It comes loaded with new safety features comprising ISOFIX child restraint system, high-speed warning alert, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors and front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters. These features are now standard across all variants of Vitara Brezza.

Thanks: Maruti

Honda Cars India launches New Honda Jazz 2018

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of passenger cars in India, today launched the New Honda Jazz 2018 with enhanced style, enriched interiors and added safety features. 

Enhanced Exterior Styling elements (New) 

• Signature Rear LED Wing Light
• Chrome Door Handles
• 2 new exterior colours

Enriched Interiors (New) 

• 17.7cm Advanced Touchscreen Infotainment with Audio, Video and Navigation system – Digipad 2.0 with Blue Tooth Audio, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and rear camera display
• One Push Start/ Stop Button with and Red illumination ^*
• Honda Smart Key System (Touch sensor based) with Keyless Remote^*
• Cruise Control^*
• Front Centre Armrest
• Central Lock Hand Switch
• Driver Side Vanity Mirror
• Improved NV performance

^{*Available in CVT & Diesel variants} 

Enhanced Safety (New) 

• Rear Parking Sensors
• Speed sensing Auto Door Lock

The new Jazz will now be available in 2 grades in Petrol – V and VX and 3 grades in Diesel – S, V and VX with Manual Transmission. Responding to the market trend of higher acceptance and demand for Automatics, new Honda Jazz will now be available with advanced CVT technology in both V and VX grades in Petrol. The colour line-up of the new Jazz also gets refreshed and the new model features Premium Beige interiors with a choice of 5 exterior colours – Radiant Red Metallic (new), Lunar Silver Metallic (New), Modern Steel Metallic, Golden Brown Metallic and Orchid Pearl. 

Speaking on the introduction of the Jazz 2018, Mr Rajesh Goel, Sr. Vice President and Director, Sales & Marketing, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “We are extremely delighted to introduce the New Honda Jazz 2018 with enhanced features. The new Jazz offers amazing value and will surely create fresh excitement in the premium hatchback segment.” “In line with changing customer preferences in favour of automatics, the Jazz 2018 is now being offered with advanced CVT technology across the petrol range to cater to a larger number of customers opting for automatic transmission cars for an absolutely comfortable and engaging drive,” he added. 

Prices of Ex-Showroom Delhi for the complete line-up of New Jazz 2018: 

Petrol 

V MT Rs 7,35,000 

VX MT Rs 779,000 

VCVT Rs 855,000 

VX CVT   Rs 8,99,000 

Diesel 

S MT  Rs 805,000 

V MT  Rs 885,000 

VX MT  Rs 929,000



Thanks: Honda

Soorma - A living legend viewed his own movie, sitting along with us at INOX - Movie Review

It was a sudden and surprise invite for us, to be a part of the event, that was the release of the new Hindi movie - SOORMA, at the INOX, Nehru place. The movie is based on the life of the Indian Hockey Captain, Sandeep Singh and the pleasant part was that he himself was present at the picture hall on the release of his movie. A living legend viewed his own movie sitting along with us. 

It is a true story that how he was selected in the Indian Team and while he was moving by train on the 21st August 2006 to join the rest of his team for the 2006 World cup, he was accidentally shot at by a police Jawan sitting in his compartment. That accidental gunshot hit a Sandeep Singh’s lowest rib, that was fractured, his pancreas was punctured and there was some damage to kidneys and liver. His backbone was flaked too. 

After the gunshot injury & due to the profound bleeding, he went into a COMA and on revival found that his lower part of the body was paralysed. It was the most difficult time of his life, but Sandeep Singh did not lose hope and after a massive mental & a physical struggle of 3 years, he came back on the ground in 2009 and became a winner again. 

Besides the great victory, he was also declared as the Fastest Drag Flicker in the world with the speed of 145km per hour. and has been nicknamed as the Flicker Singh. A world-class player who faced a life-threatening accident was truly a source of inspiration for all and thus the movie on his life has been named as "SOORMA', i.e. Great warrior. 

Please view the small interview with him as below:

Hindustan Times & Sunil Sethi Design Alliance present India Couture Week 2018

WHO responds to health needs in Al-Hudaydah amid escalating conflict

Sana'a, 28 June 2018 — As the crisis in Al-Hudaydah governorate intensifies, the number of people in need of humanitarian aid continues to increase. Prior to the escalation in conflict, health conditions in the governorate were some of the worst in the country.  Today, a number of districts in Al-Hudaydah are reporting the highest number of cases of suspected cholera, as well as the highest severe acute and chronic malnutrition rates in the country.

“WHO is currently supporting two public hospitals in Al-Hudaydah city (Al Thawra and Al Olifi), and two district hospitals on the outskirts of the city (Bait Al Faqiah and Zabib), making sure they have the capacity to receive and treat trauma patients. Trauma supplies were sent weeks ago. We are now continuing the support through the provision of ambulances and the rapid deployment of mobile teams to reach people who cannot travel to medical facilities, and we are working to establish trauma stabilization points in critical areas,” said Dr Nevio Zagaria, WHO Representative in Yemen.

WHO is also supporting 7 therapeutic feeding centers in the governorate to treat children suffering from severe acute malnutrition with medical complications. Additional medicines and supplies for 200 000 medical consultations, including cholera medicines, have been pre-positioned to be delivered as needed, and surrounding governorates have been placed on high alert and equipped with supplies and medicines for the treatment of cholera, specifically for thousands of displaced people coming out of Al-Hudaydah.

“The situation in Al-Hudaydah city grows more dangerous every day. And as the fate of this country is being discussed on the international stage, the reality on the ground is much darker. As the conflict escalates, so must the health response. Basic health services must be guaranteed for the most vulnerable, such as mothers and children, and patients suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.”

“Yemen’s health system is extremely fragile, so any additional incident has the potential to overwhelm existing capacities. Population movement out of Al-Hudaydah is creating pressure on operating health facilities and water and sanitation networks in host communities. Local water supplies have been damaged by the conflict, increasing and the risk of cholera and waterborne diseases as people turn to potentially unsafe sources of water,” added Dr Zagaria.

Even before the crisis began, WHO had delivered trauma supplies sufficient for 500 major and minor surgeries to 4 hospitals in Al-Hudaydah; deployed 9 surgical teams; trained 165 health workers on mass casualty management and mental health care; and provided more than 100 000 litres of fuel to 7 hospitals and 450 000 litres of water to three hospitals.

WHO Media Team

WHO health supplies reach southern Syria as needs grow amid increased fighting

http://www.emro.who.int/syr/syria-news/who-health-supplies-reach-southern-syria-as-needs-grow-amid-increased-fighting.html

28 June 2018, Amman, Jordan -- Opposition-controlled areas in southern Syria are witnessing a dramatic increase in violence that has led to high levels of insecurity and the displacement of tens of thousands of people. Over 80% of the estimated 525 000 people living in these areas are expected to need humanitarian assistance as a result of the fighting. This includes up to 50 000 people who have displaced over the past two weeks.

On 27 June, WHO’s office in Damascus dispatched over 27 tons of medical supplies to respond to urgent humanitarian health needs in southern Syria. Items include operating tables, intravenous fluids, antibiotics and trauma supplies, burn medications and emergency health kits. The supplies are sufficient to provide 135 000 treatments. Further supplies have been prepositioned to respond to the rapidly evolving situation.

Healthcare facilities in southern Syria can also draw on regular cross-border stocks delivered by WHO and health partners in Amman. Current stocks are enough to treat up to 300 000 people for three months. WHO and its partners in Amman plan to pre-position another 51 tons of emergency supplies in warehouses throughout the area, ready for dispatch to health care facilities in southern Syria as and when needed.

“These shipments are timely and essential to help healthcare facilities in Dar’a governorate cope with the greatly increased demand for healthcare services, reaching all people in need no matter where they are located,” said Dr. Michel Thieren, Regional Emergencies Director. “WHO remains committed to working with partners to provide emergency health care in the areas of greatest need.”

These are the first in a series of shipments that WHO plans to deploy to southern Syria, where health needs are acute and growing. Recent data from WHO’s Health Resources Availability Mapping System (HeRAMS) show that 40% of public healthcare centers in Dar’a and Quneitra governorates are closed and only one hospital remains open. WHO is supporting the deployment of three mobile clinics that are providing health care services for people displaced by the fighting, and is working to deploy another four in the coming days.

“As the situation in Southern Syria evolves, humanitarian convoys bearing essential supplies must be allowed to proceed across conflict lines, and the government and all parties to the conflict must allow critically ill and wounded civilians to be immediately evacuated for life-saving treatment”, added Dr. Thieren.

B S Vohra in Action against the Loot of DISCOMs in Delhi

with thanks: Delhi Aajtak TV Channel

Live on various TV channels: B S Vohra

Plants distribution on the Shahidi purab of Guru Arjan Dev ji